Executive functions and aggression in “hot” and “cold” contexts: Two meta-analyses

Abstract

Although executive function (EF) deficits have been documented to be a risk factor for aggressive behavior, little is known about the hot and cold components of these cognitive processes and their links with reactive and proactive aggression. Two meta-analyses were conducted on studies that included a performance-based measure of EF and a measure of reactive aggression (37 independent samples; n = 5427) or proactive aggression (16 independent samples; n = 4243). Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were also performed. Reduced EF was more strongly associated with reactive (g = −0.45) than proactive aggression (g = −0.14), with the majority of studies assessing EF in cold contexts. Moderation analysis revealed significantly larger effect sizes in studies that assessed reactive aggression using a categorical approach by comparing individuals who engaged in aggressive behavior with control groups. The limited body of research on hot EF in relation to reactive and proactive aggression indicates a need for further investigations of EF in hot contexts. Findings add to our knowledge about EF as a neurocognitive correlate of reactive and proactive aggression and point to the possibility of targeting deficits in cold EF to reduce aggression.