Differential Mediating Role of Sense of Security in the Association Between Relative Deprivation and Impulsive/Premeditated Aggression Among Chinese Offenders: A Two-Wave Longitudinal Study

Offender aggression threatens prison safety and is central to recidivism risk assessment. Impulsive and premeditated aggression differ in their psychological mechanisms and behavioral manifestations, yet the differential roles of relative deprivation and sense of security remain unclear. Using a two-wave longitudinal design with Chinese male offenders, the present study employed cross-lagged regression models to examine the effects of relative deprivation on both forms of aggression and the longitudinal mediating role of sense of security. The results indicated that relative deprivation at Time 1 significantly and positively predicted both impulsive and premeditated aggression at Time 2. Sense of security at Time 2 mediated the association between Time 1 relative deprivation and Time 2 impulsive aggression. However, this mediating effect was not observed for premeditated aggression. These findings suggest that relative deprivation is a stable predictor of offenders’ sense of security and both forms of aggression, whereas reduced sense of security specifically contributes to impulsive aggression. Differentiated correctional interventions are therefore needed for offenders with distinct aggressive tendencies.