Role Stress and Aggression Among Young Adults: The Moderating Influences of Gender and Adolescent Aggression

Abstract

Using data provided by a panel of non-Hispanic white respondents, this study explored whether aggressive response to severe role stress during early adulthood depends on gender and on an adolescent history of aggression. Logistic regression analysis yielded these findings: Men who reported aggression during early adolescence were significantly more likely to respond to severe role stress with aggression during young adulthood, while men who were not aggressive in early adolescence did not report much increase in aggression under similar circumstances. For young women, however, role stress increased aggression only among those who did not report aggression in early adolescence. For those who reported aggression during adolescence, the effect was positive but weak. We interpret these findings using principles of socialization, gender role expectations, and social structural constraints on males and females. As part of this interpretation, we report findings of an analysis of associations among role stress, prior aggression, and heavy use of illicit drugs among males and females.