Identity Exploration, Commitment, and Existential Anxiety as Predictors of the Forms and Functions of Aggression

Abstract

This study explores the unique linkages among identity exploration, identity commitment, existential anxiety, and the different forms (relational and overt) and functions (proactive and reactive) of peer aggression in youth. Participants were high school students (N = 133) aged 15 to 19 years. In terms of zero-order associations, existential anxiety was positively associated with each of the four types of aggression whereas identity exploration and identity commitment were only associated (negatively) with proactive overt aggression. However, in terms of unique associations, identity exploration was negatively associated with proactive aggression (overt and relational) whereas existential anxiety was positively associated with all but proactive relational aggression. Identity commitment was not uniquely associated with any of the forms and functions of aggression. Findings are discussed in terms of consistency with theory as well as unique and possible suppressor relationships. Avenues for additional research on the role of identity development in mitigating peer aggression are explored.

Notes

*p < .05. **p < .01. ***p < .001.

*p < .05. **p < .01. ***p < .001.