‘Is it just a matter of impulse control?’ A cross-cultural study in offline and online aggression among Japanese and European burnout students

Abstract

Abundant evidence has demonstrated a strong relationship between aggressive behaviour, one of the most common problems among students at every stage of education all over the world, and a trait for impulsiveness. Impulsiveness is also connected to diverse and enduring psychopathology. However, studies that tested burnout syndrome, impulsivity, and aggression are scarce. Accordingly, the current study examined the role of academic burnout and cross- cultural differences (Japanese vs European culture) in the association between trait impulsivity and online and offline aggression among university students (N = 291; Mage = 22.66 years; SD = 4.35; 31% males). The participants filled in self-report measures of Academic Burnout (MBI-SS); Impulsivity (BIS-15); Offline Aggression (Buss-Perry AQ), and Cyber-Aggression Types (CATQ). The results revealed that academic burnout, impulsivity, and both aggression indicators are positively interrelated. Moreover, the interaction effect between academic burnout and culture (Japanese vs European) was significant for almost all aggression characteristics. The significance of the interaction between impulsivity, academic burnout, and culture altogether was confirmed for offline aggression and the rage/cyber aggression type. The main implications and suggestions for future research are related to the importance of academic burnout and culture as crucial factors related either to offline aggression or cyber aggression levels.