The Correlation between Resilience, Self-Control, Self-Regulation, and Decision-Making Style and Aggressive Behavior in Adolescents: An Analysis Using Structural Equation Modeling

Aggressive behavior is a common emotional manifestation among students of all grades. The present study aimed to establish the correlation between resilience, self-control, self-regulation, and decision-making style with aggressive behavior in adolescents.

In this cross-sectional study conducted in 2022 in Marvdasht, Iran, 469 students with a mean age of 15.48±1.74 years were recruited. Standard questionnaires were used to collect data on aggression, resilience, self-control, self-regulation, and decision-making style. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 and Amos version 24, with a significance level of P<0.05. Statistical methods including Pearson’s correlation coefficient, linear regression, and structural equation modeling (SEM) were employed for analysis.

The findings revealed significant negative correlations between self-regulation (r=-0.577, P<0.001), self-control (r=- 0.962, P<0.001), resilience (r=-0.984, P<0.001), and deliberative decision-making style (r=-0.571, P<0.001) with aggressive behavior in adolescents. Additionally, all variables except intuitive decision-making were found to have a significant association with aggressive behavior. Notably, resilience emerged as the most related variable to aggressive behavior. SEM analysis showed that standardized total effects of self-regulation, self-control, resilience, and deliberative decision-making on aggressive behavior were -0.500, -0.912, -0.632, and -0.565, respectively. The model fit indicators showed that the final model fit was acceptable (ᵡ2 / df=2.431, P=0.063, GFI=0.994, AGFI=0.969, CFI=0.999, NFI=0.989, RMSEA=0.055).

The study suggested all these variables, particularly resilience and self-control should be considered when planning interventions to reduce and control aggressive behavior.