Aggressive Primes Activate Hostile Information in Memory: Who is Most Susceptible?

Abstract

Research reveals that aggressive primes activate hostile information in memory. However, it is unclear whether this is true of all people or whether the activation of hostile information differs by trait aggression. In 3 studies, we investigate the organization of aggression-related knowledge. In Study 1, ratings of one's hostile emotions speeded subsequent ratings of hostile emotions, but particularly among individuals low in trait aggression. In Study 2, categorizations of blame-related words speeded categorizations of anger-related words, but particularly among individuals low in trait aggression. In Study 3, categorizations of actions as mean facilitated similar categorizations, but particularly among individuals low in trait aggression. These results suggest that aggressive primes activate hostile information in memory particularly for individuals low (rather than high) in trait aggression. The discussion of the results attempts to reconcile spreading activation processes with judgment and behavior in the particular context of trait aggression and priming effects.

Notes

¹Hostile emotions consisted of aggravated, aggressive, angry, annoyed, antagonistic, argumentative, bitter, bothered, cold, condescending, contemptuous, crabby, disgruntled, enraged, envious, fuming, hateful, hostile, irritated, jealous, judgmental, malicious, outraged, peeved, quarrelsome, resentful, scornful, stubborn, vengeful, and vindictive. Nonhostile emotions consisted of alert, anxious, baffled, bold, bored, calm, cautious, confident, confused, content, curious, decisive, drowsy, energetic, happy, hopeful, interested, moody, patient, preoccupied, reflective, relaxed, relieved, sad, secure, sleepy, surprised, tense, tired, and troubled.

²Blameworthy words were oilspill, hangover, murder, sin, crime, adultery, addiction, and malpractice. Nonblameworthy words were bladder, landslide, baldness, flu, worm, hurricane, centipede, and toilet. Anger-related words were irritation, annoyance, contempt, and hostility. Empathy-related words were sympathy, compassion, understanding, and caring. The blameworthy and nonblameworthy words were used in a study examining the relation between accessible blame constructs and anger and aggression (Meier & Robinson, 2004).

³Mean words were argue, insult, criticize, and ridicule. Nice words were praise, forgive, console, and appreciate