The relationship between the psychological well-being of young people and aggression within the context of G. Ammon’s self-structural theory

Abstract

Psychological well-being is an integral construct of an individual’s overall quality of life. It can be defined through a triad of concepts: life satisfaction, self-esteem, and self-efficacy. This study draws on G. Ammon’s self-structural theory to examine the relationship between these characteristics and aggression, which is viewed as a central personal function at the structural level. The sample consisted of 160 participants (mean age 24.38 years, 77% female). Psychological well-being was assessed using the Satisfaction with Life Scale by E. Diener, the Self-Esteem Scale by M. Rosenberg, and the General Self-Efficacy Scale by R. Schwarzer and M. Jerusalem. The results revealed a positive correlation between constructive aggression and various aspects of psychological well-being, and a negative correlation of destructive aggression with life satisfaction and self-esteem. A negative correlation was also found between low levels of aggression and all indicators of psychological well-being. The findings suggest that the manifestation of constructive aggression — which, in G. Ammon’s non-standard interpretation, is functionally described as a focus on forming positive relationships with oneself and others, and the ability to compromise and protect one’s interests — contributes to the harmonization of interpersatisfaction, and personal self-efficacy. In contrast, high levels of life satisfaction and self-esteem come into conflict with the denial of personal autonomy and identity formation caused by destructive aggression. Open expression of aggression, anger, and hostility affects an individual’s relationships with others, possibly preventing positive feedback and satisfaction with social interactions, which leads to low selfesteem associated with a lack of public recognition of one’s achievements. As for deficient aggression, it is clear that the underdevelopment of the Self-function of aggression is associated with low levels of psychological well-being, as it manifests in an inability to compete in a healthy way, to build healthy relationships, to make informed decisions and take responsibility for one’s actions, as well as in reduced activity and a narrowed range of interests.