Perceived stress, loneliness, and self-esteem as predictor of aggressive behaviour among young adults in Malaysia.

Fong, Heng Liang and Toh, Wei Siang and Hoo, Jun Kit (2025) Perceived stress, loneliness, and self-esteem as predictor of aggressive behaviour among young adults in Malaysia. Final Year Project, UTAR.

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Abstract

This study aimed to examine whether perceived stress, loneliness, and self-esteem predict aggressive behaviour among young adults in Malaysia. A cross-sectional quantitative design was applied, and data was collected using purposive and snowball sampling methods. A total of 129 Malaysian young adults had completed self-report questionnaires via an online survey generated through Qualtrics. Current study recruited Malaysian young adults aged 18 to 24 years. Inclusion criteria required participants to be Malaysian, regardless of employment status, gender, or ethnicity. The instruments used were the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), UCLA Loneliness Scale Version 3, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ). Using multiple linear regression analysis in IBM SPSS, the results indicated that perceived stress (β = .218, p = .016) and loneliness (β = .318, p = .001) significantly and positively predicted aggressive behaviour. However, self-esteem (β = .072, p = .424) was not a significant predictor and showed positive relationship toward aggressive behaviour. These findings support the General Aggression Model (GAM). The findings suggest aggression results from the interaction of personal and situational factors. Current study emphasizes the need to explore moderating variables like emotional regulation and social support. Practically, it calls for targeted interventions, mental health programs, and policy support to reduce aggression and promote youth well-being. Future research should consider longitudinal or mixed-method approaches, examine additional variables, and explore cross-cultural comparisons to gain deeper insights into the predictors of aggressive behaviour.

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