Aggressive behavior of children or adolescents has long term consequences for themselves and society. Inhibition deficits can contribute to aggression. Inhibition can be divided into hot and cool...Show moreAggressive behavior of children or adolescents has long term consequences for themselves and society. Inhibition deficits can contribute to aggression. Inhibition can be divided into hot and cool inhibition. Cool inhibition is characterized by abstract, decontextualized problems and hot inhibition is characterized by problems that involve the regulation of affect and motivation. The aim of the current study is to investigate the relation between hot or cool inhibition and aggressive behavior in children with a higher risk of externalizing behavior. Furthermore, the influence of age on the relation between hot or cool inhibition and aggressive behavior in children with a higher risk of externalizing behavior is investigated. It is expected that hot inhibition is stronger related to aggressive behavior than cool inhibition. Furthermore, it is expected that age influences the relation between hot and cool inhibition and aggressive behavior. Hot and cool inhibition are measured by two subtasks of the Amsterdamse Neuropsychologische Taken (ANT). Hot inhibition is measured with ANT-Delay Frustration and cool inhibition with ANT-Shifting attentional Set Visual. Aggressive behavior is measured with the Instrument voor Reactieve en Proactieve Agressie (IRPA) questionnaire which is filled in by the teacher. The data are analyzed by performing linear regressions, multiple regressions and moderation analysis. Results indicated no separate or joint relation of hot and cool inhibition with aggressive behavior. Also, age did not influence the relation between hot or the speed component of cool inhibition and aggressive behavior. On the other hand, age did moderate the relation between the accuracy component of cool inhibition and aggressive behavior. Future research also needs to investigate other types of executive functioning and their influence on different forms of aggression. This will help in developing preventive programs and interventions to limit the consequences of the aggressive behavior for the child and society.Show less
