A Cognition (Attribution)-Emotion Model of Violence in Conflict Situations

Abstract

The present research was designed to examine the relationships between attribution processes and interpersonal emotions (anger and empathic emotions) as determinants of violent reactions in conflict situations. A model including the mediating role of attribution processes and emotions as well as all theoretically meaningful relationships among the variables was proposed and tested using Bentler's structural equations program (EQS). Results show that the model fits the data well and the mediating role of anger and empathic emotions is supported In addition, the role of attributional thinking (e.g., perceived intentionality of an instigation and controllability of its cause) as a determinant of anger and empathic emotions is confirmed. Results are discussed in terms of potential extensions and applications of attribution theory and the role of interpersonal emotions in antisocial behavior and interpersonal relations in general