Predicting Verbal Aggression Based on Emotion Dysregulation and Lack of Listening Skills

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the predictive role of emotion dysregulation and lack of listening skills in explaining levels of verbal aggression among adults in Qatar. A correlational descriptive design was employed with a sample of 380 adult participants selected based on the Morgan and Krejcie (1970) sample size table. Participants were recruited from urban areas in Qatar and completed standardized self-report questionnaires measuring verbal aggression, emotion dysregulation, and listening skills. Data were analyzed using SPSS-27. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to examine bivariate associations, and multiple linear regression was conducted to assess the predictive value of emotion dysregulation and lack of listening skills on verbal aggression. Pearson correlation analysis revealed that verbal aggression was positively and significantly correlated with both emotion dysregulation (r = .59, p < .01) and lack of listening skills (r = .53, p < .01). The multiple regression model significantly predicted verbal aggression (F(2, 377) = 147.19, p < .001), accounting for 44% of the variance (R² = .44). Both predictors made significant contributions: emotion dysregulation (β = .44, t = 8.33, p < .001) and lack of listening skills (β = .37, t = 7.09, p < .001), indicating their independent and combined effects on verbal aggression. The findings suggest that difficulties in emotional regulation and poor listening competencies are both significant contributors to verbal aggression. These results underscore the importance of targeting emotional and communicative competencies in intervention programs aimed at reducing verbal hostility in adult populations, especially in multicultural contexts like Qatar.