Aloneliness predicts relational anger and aggression toward romantic partners

Aloneliness is the negative psychological state characterized by dissatisfaction with one's lack of solitude, which is connected to well‐being deficits (e.g., depression, stress). From an I3 theory perspective, we expected that aloneliness could predict anger and partner‐directed aggression amo...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Aggressive behavior 2022-09, Vol.48 (5), p.512-523
Main Authors: Swets, Julie A., Cox, Cathy R.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aggression
Aggressiveness
aloneliness
Anger
close relationships
Dating
Emotions
Individual differences
IPV
Personality traits
Romantic relationships
Single persons
Solitude
Undergraduate students
Voodoo
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Summary:Aloneliness is the negative psychological state characterized by dissatisfaction with one's lack of solitude, which is connected to well‐being deficits (e.g., depression, stress). From an I3 theory perspective, we expected that aloneliness could predict anger and partner‐directed aggression among persons in romantic relationships, who must, by nature of their partnership, dedicate time to their romantic partners. In Studies 1a and 1b (N = 554), trait aloneliness positively correlated with trait anger, aggression, and violence, but more strongly among persons in relationships (vs. single persons). In Study 2, aloneliness was experimentally primed among 93 undergraduates in relationships. When aloneliness was salient (vs. a control), participants reported higher anger and used more pins in a partner‐representative voodoo doll. These results suggest that solitude is an inhibiting factor against anger and, potentially, the perpetration of partner‐directed aggression. Although subsequent work in this area is needed, we add evidence showing the importance of individual differences in the need for solitude.
ISSN:0096-140X
1098-2337
DOI:10.1002/ab.22044