Aggression and Social Competence in Police Officers: An Analysis of Role and Gender Differences

Abstract

The relationship between aggression and social competence is typically inverse in general psychology. However, the unique, high-stakes environment of policing may complicate this dynamic, as assertive and commanding behaviours—often instrumental for safety and control—may be perceived differently. This study investigated the effects of aggressive behaviour on social competence among police officers, examining differences based on work designation (office vs. field) and gender. A correlational study was conducted with a sample of 200 officers (100 male, 100 female) from the Punjab Police in Multan, Pakistan. Participants completed the Youth Social Competence Scale (YSCS) and the Aggression Questionnaire (AQ). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation, linear regression, and independent samples t-tests in SPSS v23. Contrary to conventional literature, a significant positive correlation was found between aggression and social competence (r = .359, p < .01), with aggression accounting for 12.5% of the variance in social competence scores. No significant differences were found between office and field officers on either measure. However, a significant gender difference emerged in social competence, with male officers reporting higher levels than females (t = 2.144, p = .033). No significant gender difference was found in aggression levels. The findings suggest that within the policing context, traits measured as aggression may be functionally linked to perceptions of social competence, reflecting the value of instrumental assertiveness in law enforcement. The results highlight the context-dependent nature of psychological constructs and underscore the need for role-specific and gender-sensitive approaches in police training and support programs.