Aggression

Aggression

any form of behaviour towards the goal of harming another living being who is motivated to avoid such treatment

Assertion

forceful behaviour allowed within the rules of the game

Causes of aggression

• society has violence - imitate this violence in sport

• society recognises some violence will occur - in rugby

• society has high expectations of success - increased pressure increases assertion, as the players will do anything to win

• social learning - see others acting aggressively, then repeating this

• desire to win

• participants coached to use violence

• aggression can be a trait of a person

• fans may expect aggression

• competition

Instinct theory

• linked to evolution

• views aggression as a natural response

• humans generate aggressive energy

• aggression is instinctive and if not released will build up in the body

Instinct theory advantages

• proves why some people are aggressive

• aggression can be as a result of genetics

• catharsis can be experienced

Instinct theory disadvantages

• too generalised and simple

•  human aggression is often learned

•  human aggression is often not spontaneous, instead often being provoked

• not all humans show aggression

•  some people are only aggressive in certain situations or environments

•  people can learn not to be aggressive

Frustration-aggression theory

•   if a players goal is blocked, they become frustrated

•  frustration always leads to aggression

•  once released, a feeling of catharsis will be experienced - if not it will build up and cause an aggressive act

•  frustration can increase arousal

Frustration-aggression theory advantages

• more realistic than the instinct theory

• evident when watching sports  

• useful for coaches to manage aggressive players

Frustration-aggression theory disadvantages

• frustration does often lead to aggression - but not always

• aggression cause occur without frustration

• aggression isn't always satisfying

• some performers are motivated by aggression

• doesn't account for instinct theory

Aggressive cue hypothesis

• performers build up frustration due to over arousal and frustration

• the aggressive act will be triggered by a cue

• some performers may be motivated by cues which cause others to become aggressive

Aggressive cue hypothesis advantages

• evident when watching sport

Aggressive cue hypothesis disadvantages

• doesn't explain why people are naturally aggressive when not provoked by a cue

Social learning theory

• aggression is learned and not instinctive

• learn to be aggressive through watching and copying

• more likely to copy our significant others

• disputes the idea of natural aggression

Social learning theory advantages

• explains why people are only aggressive in certain situations

• supported by the bobo doll experiment

Social learning theory disadvantages

• some people are naturally aggressive - supports instinct theory

How to reduce aggression

• lower arousal - using imagery to remain calm

• attentional control - banning aggressive players

• removal - praising assertive behaviour

• goals - self talk to reduce frustration