Sex differences in normative beliefs about aggression among South African university students

Abstract

This study investigated gendered normative beliefs about aggression held by South African young adults attending university (N = 255; mean age = 20.24 years, SD = 1.44 years; females = 78%). The students completed a measure of normative beliefs about aggression. Following an independent sample t-test, the findings indicated male students to hold more favourable beliefs about aggression overall, as well as unprovoked aggression, as compared to female students. Approval of retaliation was higher than unprovoked aggression for both sexes. These results suggest a need for student support intervention strategies geared towards addressing aggression predispositions among the students.

Keywords:

• sex
• normative beliefs about aggression
• South Africa
• university students
• violence