Longitudinal Association of Subjective Social Status With Aggression: The Mediating Role of Belief in a Just World and Self-Compassion

The heightened level of aggression poses a dual challenge to both individual mental well-being and societal stability. The present study aimed to develop our understanding of the relationship between subjective social status and aggression, as well as the mediating role of belief in a just world and self-compassion. A sample size of 538 Chinese adult participants (males: n = 216, M_age = 30.92 years, SD = 6.23) completed self-report questionnaires at two time points with a 10-month interval to evaluate subjective social status, aggression, belief in a just world, and self-compassion. The results indicated that subjective social status was negatively associated with aggression. Both belief in a just world and self-compassion mediated the relationship between subjective social status and aggression. In addition, the sequential mediation of belief in a just world and self-compassion was observed. These findings further elucidate the mechanisms underlying the links between subjective social status and aggression and highlight the significance of considering individuals' just world beliefs and self-compassion as potential factors contributing to mitigating aggressive behavior, to develop efficacious interventions.