A return potential measure of setting norms for aggression

David B. Henry*, Jennifer Cartland, Holly Ruchross, Kathleen Monahan

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

28 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study tested a classroom-level measure of norms based on J. Jackson's (1966) Return Potential Model. "Return potential" refers to the probability of approval of aggression in a given setting or group, and the return potential model allows quantification of different aspects of a setting's norms. Return potential measures were computed for unprovoked and provoked aggression. A pilot sample of 236 students in 11 classrooms and a main sample of 3,304 students in 158 classrooms completed this measure and a self-report measure of aggression. Results from hierarchical linear models showed that all measures of classroom return potential for aggression were significantly clustered by classrooms. Four return potential measures had main effects on aggression, and four measures showed variation in effects by grade or urban residence. Differences in clustering and effects by grade suggested age differences in the importance of different normative characteristics.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)131-149
Number of pages19
JournalAmerican Journal of Community Psychology
Volume33
Issue number3-4
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2004

Keywords

  • Aggression
  • Ecological variables
  • Measurement
  • Norms

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health(social science)
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Applied Psychology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A return potential measure of setting norms for aggression'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this