Short- and long-term cumulative risk effects on aggression

Previous research has shown a causal link between aggression and a range of internal and external risk factors. However, most of the literature has examined these factors in isolation, and although recent research has suggested that a cumulative risk approach to aggression should be adopted (e.g., Gentile & Bushman, 2012), there is little empirical research to support this view. This current study addresses this gap by examining the effects of multiple aggression risk factors for short- and long-term aggression. In study one, participants completed questionnaires measuring a wide range of internal and external risk factors for aggression. Results showed that internal risk factors were the most robust predictors, and tended to cluster in the individual. In study two, groups experienced between zero and three risk factors for aggression concurrently (neutral video game, violent video game, violent ame in very hot room, violent game in very hot room with loud noise). Measures of aggressive behaviour and internal state were taken. Overall exposure to more risk factors tended to increase aggressive responses, and aggression related internal states. Implications for the findings are discussed with reference to the General Aggression Model (Anderson & Bushman, 2002) and cumulative risk models.