A Dual-Mode Social-Information-Processing Model to Explain Individual Differences in Children’s Aggressive Behavior

Children differ considerably in the social-information-processing (SIP) patterns underlying their aggressive behavior. To clarify these individual differences, we propose a dual-mode SIP model that predicts which processing steps children will take, take them, and under circumstances, how this may lead to aggression. This distinguishes between an automatic reflective mode. The mode is characterized by fast impulsive behavioral responses, whereas deliberate controlled responses. Whether use or moderated level of arousal, depends on interplay child-specific factors (i.e., emotional dispositions, motivational executive functioning) dynamic internal state type situation). provides new insights into children’s unique styles possibilities tailor treatment needs.