How does social exclusion lead to emerging adult relational aggression? Potential Mechanisms of Action of Relative Deprivation and Hostile Attribution Bias

Abstract Background Relational aggression, as a specific type of aggression in social relationships in emerging adulthood, is associated with multiple forms of physical and psychological disorders. To date, there has been a lack of systematic and in-depth research on the mechanisms underlying the emergence of relational aggression. The present study aimed to explore the effects of social exclusion on relational aggression and the potential role played by relative deprivation and hostile attributional bias in the relationship between the two. Methods A self-report questionnaire on social exclusion, relational aggression, relative deprivation, and hostile attributional bias was administered to 1970 Chinese students between the ages of 18 and 25 years using relevant scales. Results There were significant positive correlations between social exclusion, relational aggression, relative deprivation, and hostile attributional bias; relative deprivation mediated the relationship between social exclusion and relational aggression; and hostile attributional bias played a significant moderating role in the direct pathway between social exclusion and relational aggression. Specifically, high hostile attributional bias exacerbated the effect of social exclusion on relational aggression, whereas low hostile attributional bias weakened this mechanism of influence. Conclusions This study explored the mechanisms that produce relational aggression in emerging adulthood and found that social exclusion not only directly affects relational aggression but also indirectly affects relational aggression through feelings of relative deprivation. Hostile attributional bias largely moderated the effects of social exclusion on relational aggression. The results of this study not only expand the research perspectives on relational aggression but also provide a theoretical basis for the effective explanation, prevention, and intervention of malignant interpersonal relationships.