Callous-unemotional traits and online aggressive behaviour: Mediated moderation by moral disengagement

Abstract

This study investigated the role of moral disengagement in the relationship between callous-unemotional traits and online aggression. The study sample comprised 484 college students (female = 68.4%; mean age = 19.27 years, SD = 1.21 years). The students completed questionnaires on callous-unemotional traits, moral disengagement, and online aggressive behaviour. Following structural equation modelling (SEM), results revealed that moral disengagement was a partial mediator in the relationship between callous-unemotional and online aggression among college students. It was specifically associated with an increase in online aggression scores. Moral disengagement moderated the relationship between callous-unemotional traits and online aggression, so that when the level of moral disengagement was high, callous-unemotional traits were associated with higher online aggressive behaviour. The research findings are consistent with the general aggression model and trait theory. Based on these findings, moral engagement-oriented interventions would be important for reducing the risk of online aggression among college students with personality disorders.

Keywords:

• college students
• internet bullying
• moral engagement standards
• Online Aggressive Behaviour Scale
• personality disorders

Data availability statement

The datasets generated and analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.