Psychology of Aggression

Lorenz

instinctive drive, hydraulic model, internal accumulation

Instinctive Drive

aggression is a biological need that accumulates over time

- hunger or sex

The Hydraulic Model

aggressive energy acts like pressure in a steam engine

- if it goes unreleased; it will explode

Internal Accumulation

if an appropriate stimulus to release aggression is not prsent, the desire to fight will increase

- ex. fighting a rival or enemy

Freud

repression model, safety valve, displacement, sublimation

Repression Model

aggression is a human drive

- energy can accumulate towards a particulr goal or drive

Safety Valve

emotions build up and need to be expressed or released

- if emotions are continually suppressed, leads to emotional explosion

Sublimation

mature defense mechanism

- socially unacceptable impulses are redirected into socially constructive and mature healthy behaviors

Catharis: Verona and Sullivan

heart rate declines following aggressive responding

- decline in heart rate predicted subsequent and escalated aggression

Catharsis: Twadarski

participants instructed to visualize aggressive retaliation for injustices

- aggressive fantasizing amplifies subsequent aggressive inclinations

Catharsis: Kristen and Greitemeyer

violent video game players strongly believe in catharsis

- mood improved after playing violent video games

- mood improvement didnt alter violent attitudes

- violent video games increased hostility

Personality and Social Psychology Theories

aggression can be normal responses to threats

- violence is not socially acceptable

- aggressive prone personalities exist

Clinical Psychology Theories

some aggression is normative (ex. play fighting)

- aggressive disorders are pathological

- disrespect for others rights and safety

- disregard for social norms

Neuroscience and Biological Understandings

threat responses and HPA axis

- escalated aggressive behaviors are maladroit

- species typical and normative aggression has normative repertoire

Berkowitz

impulsive aggression is caused by aversive events which produce negative effect

- ex. pain, frustration,uncomfortable heat

Bandura

rewards and vicarious observation of other’s rewards determines the decisions to aggress

Tedeschi and Felson

instrumental tool to achieve goals

- ex. obtaining rewards, securing justice, establishing social identity

Rowell Huesman

aggression is one of many behavioral choices in a social repertoire of behavior

- rooted in cognitive schema, mapping, and script/ scenario assesmment

Zilman

arousal is the origin; interacts with environmental stimuli

General Aggression Model (GAM)

personal factors interact with environment

- personal and environmental factors lead to internal events