The Effect Of Ego-depletion On Aggression

Self-control is one of most important mental functions. According to the strength model of self-control, self-control relies on a limited resource which will become depleted after use. Ego-depletion is a condition of insufficient resources and causes many inadaptation problems. Contact with nature is one of methods to counteract the effect of ego-depletion. Some researches has demonstrated the enhancement of aggression when people in a depletion condition. The present study examined whether contact with nature can moderate the effect of ego-depletion on aggression.A 2(control group/depletion group) X 2(nature/urban) between-subject pre-post design was used in the study, subjects were randomly assigned into 4 groups. The aggression of subjects is measured in the pretest as a baseline. In the posttest, subjects receive depletion manipulation, environment manipulation, and aggression measurement again. Some questionnaires also used in the test.Conclusions:(1)No significant effect was found on the proactive aggression.(2)Contact with nature can moderate the effect of self-control condition on aggression. Subjects who contact with urban environment show higher aggression in depletion condition than those in control condition whereas no difference was found in nature group.(3)Nature relatedness of subject can moderate the effect of control condition, environment on aggression. Subjects who contact with urban environment with high nature relatedness show higher aggression in depletion condition than those in control condition. No difference was found on the subjects in other condition.(4)Positive affect can mediate the moderate effect in conclusion (2).