This study aimed to contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms underlying the relationship between
aggressive behaviour and individual levels of ability emotional intelligence (EI). Three hundred and ninety-five
participants took part in this study. Participants were assessed on ability EI, negative affect (NA), and aggression
by the Mayer–Salovey–Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test, the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, and the
Buss–Perry Aggression questionnaires, respectively. The results revealed a negative relationship between aggression and ability EI, but this relationship depended on multiple factors: the type of EI branches and aggression
dimensions, the influence of NA, and gender. Emotional management ability showed a direct relationship with
aggression, while emotional perception ability presented an indirect relationship with aggression through the
effect of NA. These EI abilities were related to different aggression dimensions, highlighting the direct relationship with physical aggression. Moreover, gender differences showed that women possess greater EI abilities, higher levels of NA, less aggressive behaviour, and a lower relationship between NA and aggression
compared with men. This research offers a better understanding of the psychological processes explaining aggression. The inclusion of our findings in the design of prevention and treatment programs could be of great help
in the control of aggressive behaviour.
