Self-Esteem and Reactive Aggression: An EMG Biofeedback Training Approach

Abstract

Human aggression and violence is a worldwide public health concern that has greater influence on both the offenders and victims. Although many theorists have recognized multiple and complex causes of such behaviors, a number of researchers have pointed out self-esteem as an important component in behavioral change and prevention of crime. The association of self-esteem and aggression is most frequently studied and traditional viewpoint assumes that low self-esteem is a significant predictor of aggression. Researchers suggest that individuals with low self-esteem may benefit from therapeutic techniques. Following indications from the previous researches, the objective of the present study was to examine the role of EMG biofeedback in enhancing self-esteem of aggressive adolescents. It was hypothesized that EMG biofeedback would improve self-esteem and reduce reactive aggression of participants in experimental group. A pre-post experimental-control group design was used. Self-Esteem Inventory and Reactive-Proactive Aggression Questionnaire were used to identify male adolescents with low self-esteem and high reactive aggression respectively. Further identified subjects were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. EMG biofeedback training was given to participants of experimental group (n=90) for ten sessions. Control group (n=90) participants did not receive any training. At the completion of intervention program, participants of both groups were again assessed on Reactive-Proactive Aggression Questionnaire and Self-Esteem Inventory. Obtained scores were subjected to one way Analysis of Variance. It was revealed that EMG biofeedback training made a significant improvement in students' level of self-esteem (F=57.88, p< 0.01) and a significant reduction in reactive aggression (F=121.31, p < 0.01) among participants of experimental group. The significant implications of the findings have been discussed.