Relationship between perceived school climate and adolescent aggressive behavior: a moderated mediation model

ObjectiveExamine how perceived school climate influences adolescent aggressive behavior, focusing on the mediating role of friendship quality and the moderating role of psychological resilience using a moderated mediation model grounded in ecological systems theory, interpersonal perspectives, and resilience frameworks.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among 4991 students (aged 8, 20 years) from 36 primary (Grades 4 and 5), middle school (Grades 1 and 2), and high schools (Grades 10 and 11) in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China. Schools were selected using purposive sampling, and classes within schools were randomly sampled. Data were collected via self-report questionnaires, including the Perceived School Climate Scale, Aggressive Behavior Scale, Friendship Quality Scale, and Psychological Resilience Scale.ResultsPerceived school climate, friendship quality, and psychological resilience were all significantly and positively correlated. Aggressive behavior was significantly negatively correlated with perceived school climate, friendship quality, and psychological resilience. Friendship quality significantly mediated the relationship between perceived school climate and aggressive behavior. Additionally, psychological resilience significantly moderated the effects of both perceived school climate and friendship quality on aggressive behavior.ConclusionPerceived school climate is associated with adolescent aggressive behavior both directly and indirectly through friendship quality, although the mediating effect is modest. This study contributes to the literature by integrating environmental, interpersonal, and individual factors within a single framework and by providing empirical evidence from an understudied regional context in China. Additionally, psychological resilience emerges as a protective factor that mitigates the negative associations between school climate, friendship quality, and aggressive behavior.