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Abstract
This study investigated the role of moral disengagement in the relationship between callous-unemotional traits and online aggression. The study sample comprised 484 college students (female = 68.4%; mean age = 19.27 years, SD = 1.21 years). The students completed questionnaires on callous-unemotional traits, moral disengagement, and online aggressive behaviour. Following structural equation modelling (SEM), results revealed that moral disengagement was a partial mediator in the relationship between callous-unemotional and online aggression among college students. It was specifically associated with an increase in online aggression scores. Moral disengagement moderated the relationship between callous-unemotional traits and online aggression, so that when the level of moral disengagement was high, callous-unemotional traits were associated with higher online aggressive behaviour. The research findings are consistent with the general aggression model and trait theory. Based on these findings, moral engagement-oriented interventions would be important for reducing the risk of online aggression among college students with personality disorders.
Data availability statement
The datasets generated and analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.