Social Exclusion and Aggression: the Mediating Role of Self-Control and Moderating Role of Self-Compassion

Abstract

Numerous studies indicate that social exclusion increases aggression, highlighting the need to explore methods to mitigate this behavior. Although self-control mediates this association in Western cultures, Eastern contexts remain understudied. Meanwhile, self-compassion may buffer exclusion-related aggression by helping individuals cope with negative experiences. To date, only one study examined its moderating role in the direct exclusion–aggression link, and no research has tested whether it moderates either this direct path or the indirect path via self-control. The current study therefore tests a moderated mediation model to examine both the mediating role of self-control and the moderating role of self-compassion in this dynamic. The sample consisted of 559 Chinese college students (mean age = 19.18 years, SD = 1.13, 63.5% female). Participants completed self-report measures regarding social exclusion, self-control, self-compassion, and aggression. Results showed that social exclusion was positively correlated with aggression, and self-control partially mediated this relationship. Specifically, social exclusion was associated with decreased self-control, which in turn was linked to increased aggression. Furthermore, self-compassion moderated the relationship between social exclusion and aggression. Specifically, when self-compassion was high, the effect of social exclusion on aggression was attenuated, suggesting that self-compassion functioned as a protective factor. However, self-compassion did not moderate the relationship between social exclusion and self-control, suggesting that its protective effect against aggression operates not through the preservation of self-control resources but rather via affective and arousal pathways. These findings suggest that self-control and self-compassion can be crucial tools for managing aggression. Interventions aimed at enhancing self-control and self-compassion can benefit individuals who have experienced chronic exclusion or bullying. This study enhances our understanding of the relationship between social exclusion and aggression, offering new ideas for preventing and addressing aggressive behavior.