Ego-depletion and aggressive behavior

Abstract

Multiple theoretical frameworks postulate that ego-depletion can influence aggressive behavior. Our experimental study assessed whether ego-depletion is related to aggressive behavioral change and whether provocation moderated this effect. Aggression was measured by asking participants to take raffle tickets from an ostensible partner. First, participants were randomly assigned to either high or low ego-depletion (by having them memorize a short or long number throughout the entire study) prior to engaging in the first ticket exchange. Participants were then either provoked (or not) by having their "partner" take more or fewer tickets than the partner originally requested. The ticket exchange occurred three times to assess behavioral change. Results showed that aggression was highest for ego depleted participants who were provoked. Implications are discussed in terms of the General Aggression Model and the Strength Model of Self-Control. Aggr. Behav. 42:533-541, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Keywords: aggression; ego-depletion.