Abstract

The aim of this research was on one side, the clarification of guilt feeling and, on the other, its links with aggression. The first study was devoted to the examination of guilt feeling. Bidimensionality of guilt was hypothesized. Two scales (Fear of Punishment and Need for Reparation) were administered to 149 UCLA undergraduates. Results confirmed the plausibility of the bidimensionality of guilt. The second study was aimed at examining relations between these two guilt scales and four other scales linked to aggressive behavior (Emotional Susceptibility, Irritability, Rumination and Tolerance toward Violence). All six scales were administered to 97 UCLA undergraduates. Results of second-order factor analysis showed two basic dimensions, while results of the analysis of relations between latent variables show, among other things, the different role played by the two guilt scales with respect to aggression. Differences between the two guilt scales have been explained mainly in light of locus of control over expected consequences.