Enacted aggression and perpetrator outcomes : the moderating roles of experienced aggression and perpetrator gender

Abstract

This study examines the relationships between enacting aggression and perpetrators' health and interpersonal outcomes. As well it considers perpetrator's gender and previously experienced aggression as potential moderators of these relationships. Two wave survey data were used. Enacted aggression was negatively associated with physical health, psychological well-being, co-worker relationships and job satisfaction. Enacted aggression, experienced aggression, and perpetrator gender interacted to predict perpetrator physical health and co-worker relationships. Among women, the negative relationship between enacted aggression and both outcome variables was stronger under conditions of low (versus high) experienced aggression. The interactions were not significant for males. Enacted and experienced aggression interacted to affect positive affective well-being, with the negative relationship between enacted aggression and positive affective well-being being stronger for those higher in experienced aggression. This study brings awareness to the comprehensive negative effects of workplace aggression for perpetrators.