Introducing Looming Provocation: A Novel Cognitive Expectancy Style Linked to Interpersonal Aggression

Abstract Background This study introduces looming provocation , a cognitive style marked by anticipation that interpersonal threats are escalating and will continue to do so unless the individual takes action. While related to looming cognitive style, it is uniquely predictive of aggressive—rather than internalizing—responses. Method A sample of 218 undergraduates completed a newly developed Looming Provocation Questionnaire (LPQ), the Looming Cognitive Style (LCS) scale, the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire, and Brief Symptom Inventory scales for anxiety and depression. Results The LPQ exhibited good internal consistency, and SEM analysis supported a convergent association with aggression along with non-significant associations with anxiety and depression. In contrast, Looming Cognitive Style was associated with internalizing symptoms but showed no significant relation to aggression, underscoring the distinct cognitive-affective profiles of the two constructs. Conclusions This study’s initial psychometric evidence supports looming provocation as a reliable and valid construct with implications for aggression research and the prediction of aggressive behavior in interpersonal contexts. Recommendations are presented for further development of the LPQ and its application with clinical populations such as couples or other dyadic relationships experiencing conflict.