The Mediating Role of Reactive Aggression in the RelationshipBetween Sensitivity to Victimization and Loneliness

The aim of this study was to examine the mediating role of reactive aggression in the relationship between sensitivity to victimization and loneliness in adolescents. 349 middle school male students were selected using multistage cluster sampling method. Then Justice Sensitivity Inventory (Bondu & Elsner, 215), Reactive-Proactive Aggression Questionnaire (Raine et al, 2006) and UCLALoneliness Scale (Russell, 1996) were administered. Data were analyzed using path analysis and bootstrap tests. Results showed that sensitivity to victimization as an antecedent and loneliness are consequences of reactive aggression in adolescents. In addition, the results indicated that reactive aggression has a significant mediating role in the relationship between sensitivity to victimization and loneliness. Finally, these results can help school counselors, educational psychologist, and teachers to solve aggresion problems.