Exploring the Role of Visual Attention in Aggressive Behavior: Evidence from Eye-Tracking Measurements

Abstract: This study explores the relationship between eye-tracking measurements (fixation count and duration) and aggressive traits. The research involved 60 female and male participants between 12 and 17 years. The standardized questionnaire used to measure aggressive traits was CAPI-A to assess premeditated and impulsive aggression. The sample was divided into two groups based on aggressive traits' presence (n=30) or absence (n=30). The participants were exposed to a validated subset of the OASIS affective images as visual stimuli, using the Gazepoint GP3 device to capture eye-tracking information. The study found that participants with aggressive traits had higher fixation durations and fixation counts on negative stimuli than non-aggressive participants. These findings suggest that aggressiveness may be related to selective attention towards negative stimuli, which may impede a person's ability to perceive positive stimuli in their environment. This study provides insight into potential underlying mechanisms contributing to aggressive behavior in adolescents.

Keywords: Aggressive Behavior, Eye Tracking, Attentional Patterns, Adolescents, Visual Stimuli, OASIS

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1003024

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