Abstract:

Hostile interpretation bias, a kind of cognitive processing bias, refers to the tendency to interpret ambiguous information as hostile, which can affect individual's aggressive behavior. Oppositely, aggression can affect individuals’ hostile interpretation bias. As a personality trait, high aggression makes individuals more prone to possess hostile interpretation bias. As a behavioral response, aggressive behavior develops and strengthens hostile interpretation bias. Thus there may be a cyclical relationship between hostile interpretation bias and aggression. In addition, the relationship is influenced by gender, age, personality characteristics and other factors. In future, measurement tools of hostile interpretation bias and aggression should be improved for more directive and objective measurement. The interaction research between different subtypes of hostile interpretation bias and aggression should be expanded to lead us understand their relationship comprehensively and systematically. The role of emotion in the relationship between hostile interpretation bias and aggressive behavior should be explored deeply. And the process of information should be integrated and the impact of their interaction on aggressive behavior should be explored.

Key words: hostile interpretation bias, trait aggression, aggressive behavior, cognitive processing bias