Exploring the process of harsh parenting on online aggressive behaviour: The mediating role of trait anger

We investigated the role of trait anger in the relationship between harsh parenting and online aggressive behaviour. Participants were 459 college students (female= 60.13%; mean age= 19.18 years, SD = 0.92 years). For the measures, the students completed the Harsh Parenting Scale, the Trait Anger Scale, and the Online Aggressive Behaviour Scale. Results indicated a history of harsh parenting to predict online aggressive behaviour. Trait anger mediated the relationship between harsh parenting and online aggressive behaviour, increasing the risk for engaging in online aggressive behaviour. Trait anger appears to be a predisposition for online aggressive behaviour with a history of hostile parenting. Findings suggest a need for targeted interventions to reduce young people's online aggressive behaviour by their personal predispositions and developmental growth needs.