International Journal of Behavioral Sciences

International Journal of Behavioral Sciences

The Relationship between Mentalization and Aggression Mediated by Positive and Negative Affect in Female Students

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Atena Farhang
Mohammad-Hossein Mohebi-Nouredinvand
Department of Psychology, Ahv.C., Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran
10.30491/ijbs.2025.541682.2265
Abstract
Introduction: Adolescent girls undergo significant developmental changes during puberty, which can influence aggressive behaviors, impacting their emotional and psychological well-being. This study examines the relationship between mentalization—the ability to understand mental states—and aggression, mediated by positive and negative affect, among female high school students.
Method: Employing a descriptive-correlational design, the research sampled 200 female students from second-level secondary schools in Ahvaz during the 2023-2024 academic year, selected via multi-stage random cluster sampling. Data were collected using the Mentalization Scale, Positive and Negative Affect Scale, and Aggression Questionnaire, and analyzed with Pearson correlation coefficients and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using SPSS-24 and Amos-21 software.
Results: Findings indicated a robust model fit, with mentalization significantly predicting increased positive affect and decreased negative affect (P<0.001), though it showed no direct effect on aggression. Positive affect negatively influenced aggression, while negative affect positively influenced it (P<0.001). Mentalization indirectly reduced aggression through both affect pathways (P<0.001).
Conclusion: These findings suggest that mentalization modulates aggression via emotional regulation. Interventions targeting aggression in adolescent girls could focus on enhancing mentalization and fostering skills to regulate positive and negative affect, thereby promoting emotional well-being.
Keywords
Mentalization, Aggression, Positive Affect, Negative Affect, Adolescent Girls
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International Journal of Behavioral Sciences
Volume 19, Issue 3
Autumn 2025
Pages 173-178