HOSTILE ATTRIBUTIONAL BIAS IN ADULTS

This study tested the validity of hostile attributional bias as a cognitive correlate of anger/aggression in adults. Findings generalized hostile attributional bias into adult populations in ambiguous situations, and extended the construct into benign and hostile situations. Support was seen for the notion that hostile attributional bias is a separate functional entity from simple attribution of intentionality in negative social interactions, with some indication of a tiered cognitive process - attributing first intentionality then hostility of intent. Forced cognitive mediation was seen to have greater effect on angry response in ambiguous situations for aggressive than nonaggressive subjects. The findings are discussed in light of relevant cognitive-behavioral and social information processing theories.