Paper Title

Aggression and the Self: High Self-Esteem, Low Self-Control, and Ego Threat

Authors

Profile picture of Roy F. Baumeister
Roy F. Baumeister
Profile picture of Joseph M. Boden
Joseph M. Boden

Keywords

  • Aggression
  • Self-Esteem
  • Low Self-Control
  • Ego Threat
  • Violence
  • Narcissism
  • Self-Regulation
  • Arrogance
  • Egotism
  • Conceitedness
  • Crime Theory
  • Violent Behavior
  • Psychological Antidote
  • Self-Control Improvement
  • Aggressive Behavior

Journal

Human Aggression External link

Research Impact Tools

DOI

DOI Icon 10.1016/B978-012278805-5/50006-7

Publication Info

Volume: Chapter 5 | Pages: 111-137

Published On

March, 1998

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Abstract

This chapter examines two important links between self and aggression. It discusses the link between self-esteem and violence, and explores the role of self-control and self-regulation in aggression. Low self-esteem has long been asserted to be one of the most important determinants of violent behavior. The term high self-esteem has acquired a very favorable connotation and people are reluctant to acknowledge that it may have an undesirable side, but the terms arrogance, conceitedness, egotism, and narcissism have less favorable connotations while carrying the same denotative meaning of a favorable self-appraisal. A number of research findings support the notion that individuals with inflated self-opinions may be prone to violent or aggressive behavior. The chapter discusses the 1990 work by Gottfredson and Hirschi called A General Theory of Crime arguing that lack of self-control may be the broadest and most important cause of crime. Violent and aggressive behavior may be viewed as one important type of failure to regulate behavior. The most promising candidate for a psychological antidote to violence is self-control.

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