Aggression: Types, Causes, Theories, and Prevention Strategies

What is aggression defined as?

Intentional behavior causing physical or psychological pain and/or used to reach a goal.

What is the difference between emotional and instrumental aggression?

Emotional aggression is inflicted for its own sake Instrumental aggression is used as a means to achieve a goal other than causing pain Ex. hockey player being aggressive to win

Views on causes of aggression

Hobbes argued that humans are natural brutes (aggressive)

Freud believed we are motivated and capable of aggression just as animals, and that society tames us

Rousseau believed that humans are noble and that society makes us aggressive

Aggression in Non-human animals

Early experiences can curb natural tendencies - seen in cats raised with rats, which did not exhibit predatory behavior to the rat it was raised with or even other rats

- when rats are raised in isolation their innate aggressive tendencies aren't hindered

How do chimpanzees and bonobos differ in aggression?

Chimps are aggressive and live in a patriarchy, while bonobos are gentle and live in a matriarchy, often resolving intergroup conflicts through sexual behavior

What is the primary predictor of violence?

Gender is the number one predictor of violence, with high levels of testosterone being implicated

- animals who had higher levels of testosterone before being castrated tended to be more violent

Alcohol as a predictor of aggression

Alcohol acts as a disinhibitor (turns of our ability to inhibit aggressive tendencies)

- natural tendencies will come out

Pain/Discomfort as a predictor of aggression

Pain and discomfort can actually CAUSE aggression, especially sudden pain

Social rejection as a predictor of aggression

Social rejection activates the same neural pathways as physical pain, leading to increased aggression

53/55 mass shooters expressed rejection by peers

What is the frustration-aggression theory?

This theory posits that aggression arises when individuals are thwarted from reaching their goals and things are deemed to be unfair

What does realistic conflict theory explain?

It explains that aggression can arise from perceived relative deprivation, where one group feels they lack what another has

- when there is a bit of hope, aggressiveness increases "evils which a patiently endured when they seem inevitable, become intolerable once the idea of escape is suggested"

What is catharsis in the context of aggression?

Believed that engaging in socially acceptable aggression will decrease overall aggression, though it actually increases its likelihood.

What role does social learning play in aggression?

Social learning involves learning aggression through reinforcement and modeling from others

- we learn this way individually but also as a group

What is the weapon effect?

The weapon effect refers to the increased likelihood of aggression when individuals are around or have access to weapons.

What is the impact of physical punishment on children?

Using physical punishment as a primary tool can accelerate aggression in children by teaching them that it is a valid response to not liking something/being angry

What is the significance of self-awareness in managing aggression?

Being aware of one's anger and expressing feelings can help in reframing events and reducing aggression.

How does media influence aggression?

Tv can be used to promote pro-social behaviour ex. sesame street but can also desensitize people to violence/death

Is not a deterrent of crime

Can model aggressive behavior

Arouses more societal aggression

What are some strategies for reducing aggression?

Catharsis does not work

Modeling non-aggressive behavior

Improving communication skills (negotiation, compromise)

Building empathy

Taking responsibility and sincerely apologizing

How external conditions affect aggression

Impact of culture change - Scandinavian cultures were once violent but are now some of the most peaceful

Cultures of honor - can encourage aggression (thought to be a result of having to be more aggressive in southern united states to protect crops, family)

Deprivation as a predictor of aggression

Relative Deprivation - when you are deprived and exposed to others who aren't - Ex. Nations of extreme poverty aggression isn't as high as places where there is dispersion of deprivation

Social Role Theory and aggression

Differences in aggression due to the roles males vs females play in society

When there are no differences between them - when aggression is justified, jealousy, revenge, humiliation, self defense

Are terrorists aggressive instincts innate?

People will often make the fundamental attribution error (assume the problem lies within the individual)

- study found all interviewed failed suicide bombers as mentally stable

Both male and female suicide bombers are motivated to act based on

Loyalty to their country or religion (social identity)

Anger at occupying force (at the time or in the past)

Revenge for loved ones killed by an enemy

NONE had a predisposition to suicide

What others environmental factors could account for terrorist behaviour?

Recruitment - group affiliation, foot in the door compliance

Frustration - aggression susceptible to indoctrination

Obedience

Outgroup homogeneity