The distinction between provoked and unprovoked aggression in toddlerhood, and associations with empathy‐related processes

Abstract

AbstractPhysical aggression in toddlerhood has received considerable attention in the past 20 years. The underlying theme has been that toddlers behave aggressively due to not yet being able to regulate their frustration. However, there is some evidence to suggest that early aggression can occur for other reasons. In this study, we tested the distinction between provoked and unprovoked aggression in toddlerhood, and examined whether different empathy‐related processes would show unique associations with each type of aggression. Participants were 200 mothers of children aged 15–21 months (Mage = 18.32 months, SD = 1.75) who completed measures of provoked and unprovoked aggression, and empathy‐related processes. We found that the two‐factor aggression model fit the data well. In addition, when controlling for the overlap between other‐oriented empathy and personal distress, other‐oriented empathy demonstrated a negative association with unprovoked aggression, and personal distress showed a positive link with provoked aggression. Our findings underscore the importance of studying early physical aggression in a more nuanced way to better understand different functions it may serve in toddlerhood.