Cognitive moderators of negative reactions to verbal aggression

Cognitive predispositions in information processing (self‐discrepancies, sensitivity to feedback, and dysfunctional attitudes) were predicted to moderate reactions to verbally aggressive messages. In Study One, 247 participants received an aggressive or nonaggressive message imbedded in a TV commercial. In Study Two, 285 friend dyads completed surveys on verbal aggressiveness, cognitive predispositions, and psychological and relational well‐being. Study Three was a replication with 153 roommate dyads. Results suggest that self‐discrepancies and sensitivity to feedback interacted with receiving verbal aggression to predict psychological well‐being in receivers, and that verbal aggressiveness was related to lower relational quality and satisfaction.