Purpose This study aims to explore the effects of low differentiation of self (DoS) and exposure to inter-parental conflicts during childhood on levels of aggression in adulthood, with psychological distress – particularly trait anxiety – serving as a mediating factor. The sample included 529 participants aged 18–40, comprising two distinct cultural groups: Jews and Arabs. Of the participants, 294 were Arab and 384 were women. The results provided partial support for the proposed mediation model, revealing cultural and gender-related variations. Notably, for Jewish participants, inter-parental conflicts were not associated with aggression through the mediation of trait anxiety. Furthermore, trait anxiety had a stronger predictive effect on aggression among men than women, suggesting a gender-specific pattern in the anxiety–aggression linkage. Overall, the findings suggest that aggression in adult offspring is shaped by an interplay of cultural, familial and psychological factors. Design/methodology/approach This cross-sectional study used an online self-report survey to assess the mediating role of trait anxiety in the relationship between DoS, exposure to inter-parental conflict and aggression. Participants were 529 adults (aged 18–40) from Jewish and Arab populations in Israel. Validated questionnaires were translated into Hebrew and Arabic using a back-translation process. Statistical analyses included t-tests, chi-square tests, MANCOVA, ANCOVA and moderated mediation models using the PROCESS macro in SPSS. Gender was examined as a moderator, and age and parental marital status were included as covariates. Ethical approval was obtained, and participation was anonymous and voluntary. Findings Significant ethnic and gender differences were observed in DoS, inter-parental conflict, trait anxiety and aggression. Arab participants reported higher emotional cutoff, fusion with others and aggression than Jews. Trait anxiety levels varied by gender and ethnicity, with Arab men showing the highest anxiety. Mediation-moderation analyses revealed that among Jews, trait anxiety mediated the link between I-position and aggression only in men, while for Arabs, trait anxiety mediated most predictors for both genders, but more strongly for men. Inter-parental conflict predicted aggression in both groups, but only mediated through anxiety among Arabs. Gender moderated anxiety’s impact on aggression. Research limitations/implications The study has several limitations. First, it was conducted in Israel, focusing on Jewish and Arab participants, limiting generalizability to other cultures. Second, the reliance on retrospective reports of childhood inter-parental conflict may introduce memory bias. Participants’ recollections could be influenced by current emotional states or selective memory, potentially affecting the accuracy of the reported associations. Third, the use of convenience sampling via social networks may limit the generalizability of the findings, as participants who are active on these platforms might not fully represent the broader population. Fourth, there is a notable gender imbalance in the sample, with 72.6% of participants being female. Practical implications The study suggests practical implications, emphasizing the need for family counseling and educational programs focused on conflict resolution, healthier coping and enhancing DoS. Tailored interventions by gender and ethnicity, especially in anxiety management, are recommended. Considering family dynamics and cultural context is crucial in mitigating aggression linked to DoS, inter-parental conflict and anxiety. Lastly, training programs for Jewish and Arab communities in Israel are advised. Social implications This study highlights the critical role of family dynamics and emotional functioning in shaping aggression among young adults in diverse cultural contexts. By revealing how DoS, inter-parental conflict and anxiety contribute to aggression differently across gender and ethnicity, the findings underscore the importance of culturally sensitive interventions. The study advocates for family counseling, psychoeducation on conflict resolution, and anxiety management, particularly among Arab and Jewish populations in Israel. These insights can inform public health policies, educational curricula and community outreach programs aimed at fostering emotional resilience and reducing interpersonal violence across communities. Originality/value This study uniquely integrates individual, familial and sociocultural factors to explain aggression among young adults, offering a mediation-moderation model rarely applied across distinct ethnic groups. By comparing Jewish and Arab populations in Israel, it highlights culturally specific pathways to aggression, including the moderating role of gender. The use of validated tools in both Hebrew and Arabic adds methodological rigor and inclusivity. The study’s value lies in its practical implications for tailoring interventions to different cultural contexts, and its contribution to the understanding of emotional functioning and intergenerational influences on aggression in diverse societies.
Peleg et al. (Fri,) studied this question.