Anger and Indirect Relational Aggression in Women: The Puzzling Effect of Moderate Provocation

This study sought to investigate the effect of trait-anger on indirect relational aggression in women, under provocation of varying strength. Female undergraduates (N = 174) were assigned to either a moderate provocation, a strong provocation, or a control condition. The results showed that under the moderate provocation condition, trait-anger contributed negatively to relational aggression, whereas the same effect under the strong provocation condition was positive. Also, the effect of trait anger on relational aggression mediated through post-provocation anger was positive and significant only in moderate provocation. The results corresponded with the theoretical assumption that moderate provocation condition, in contrast to strong provocation, reduces the variance in behavior as the effect of the situation and maximizes the role of personality traits in determining behavioral responses. Overall, findings provide evidence on the great complexity of women’s anger and aggression suggesting that apart from retaliation, women use non-aggressive strategies to manage and control their anger while facing provocation situation.