The Dynamics of Emotion Regulation and Aggressiveness in Gender-Based Violence Contexts

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a pervasive issue worldwide, affecting individuals across various demographics. The interaction between emotional regulation and aggressive behaviors is particularly relevant in the context of GBV, where victims may experience heightened emotional distress, and perpetrators may struggle with maladaptive emotional responses.

Research indicates that emotion regulation strategies, such as cognitive reappraisal and suppression, significantly impact the likelihood of aggressive behavior. In the context of GBV, difficulties in emotion regulation—such as reliance on maladaptive strategies like suppression—have been linked to heightened aggression in perpetrators and increased psychological distress in victims.

Moreover, gendered socialization patterns influence the use of these strategies, with men more likely to exhibit externalizing behaviors, including aggression, when struggling with emotion regulation, while women may internalize distress, exacerbating vulnerability to victimization

A deeper understanding of these dynamics can inform preventive measures and therapeutic interventions. Recent studies emphasize the necessity for integrated approaches that include psychological, legal, and social perspectives to address the complex nature of GBV.

The primary goal of this research topic is to explore the relationship between emotion regulation and aggressiveness within the framework of GBV. It critically addresses the need for comprehensive research that examines how different emotion regulation strategies can either exacerbate or mitigate aggressive behaviors in GBV contexts.

Recent advances in emotion regulation theories and empirical findings provide a foundation for innovative approaches to understanding and addressing GBV. By building on developments in forensics and legal psychology, emotion science, and cognitive psychology, this Research Topic aims to identify effective intervention strategies and inform policy development. The ultimate objective is to contribute to the creation of evidence-based practices that enhance the well-being and safety of victims while also addressing the rehabilitation needs of offenders to prevent future violence and cultivate a more equitable and just society.

Areas of interest include but are not limited to:

- Cognitive Psychology
- Legal Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Gender Studies
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Forensics Anthropology

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
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Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy Brief
• Registered Report
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Emotion Regulation, Gender-Based violence, Aggressiveness, Forensics Psychology, Cognitive Processes, Emotional responses

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