Frustration-aggression hypothesis

What is the original frustration-aggression hypothesis (Dollard et al., 1939)?

Frustration always leads to aggression, and aggression is always the result of frustration. Frustration (blocked goal) creates an aggressive drive. Aggressive behaviour produces catharsis (release of negative emotion), reducing the drive and making further aggression less likely.

According to the F-A hypothesis, why is aggression not always directed at the source of frustration?

A: 1. The source may be abstract (e.g., government).

2. The source may be too powerful (risk of punishment).

3. The source may be unavailable.

Aggression is then displaced onto a weaker, available target.

What is the weapon effect (Berkowitz, 1989)?

Frustration creates a readiness for aggression, but aggressive cues in the environment make acting upon this more likely. Berkowitz & LePage (1967) found angry participants gave more fake shocks when guns were present (6.07) than when absent (4.67), demonstrating the weapon effect.

What did Geen's (1968) study on frustration and aggression find?

Participants completed a jigsaw puzzle under three frustration conditions: impossible task, interference, or insult. All three gave stronger shocks than a control group. The insulted participants gave the strongest shocks, followed by interfered, then impossible task.

What is a strength of the F-A hypothesis regarding displaced aggression?

Research support from a meta-analysis.

· Marcus-Newhall et al. (2000) reviewed 49 studies of displaced aggression.

· Frustrated participants who could not retaliate directly were significantly more likely to aggress against an innocent party.

· This shows frustration reliably leads to displacement.

What is a limitation regarding catharsis?

Research shows aggression may not be cathartic; venting can increase aggression.

· Bushman (2002) found participants who hit a punchbag became more aggressive, not less.

· Doing nothing was more effective at reducing aggression.

· Bushman likened venting to 'using petrol to put out a fire'.

What is a limitation regarding the frustration-aggression link?

The link is complex; frustration does not always lead to aggression.

· Frustrated people may become helpless or determined instead.

· Aggression can occur without frustration (e.g., instrumental aggression).

· The original hypothesis is inadequate as it only explains some situations.

What is a counterpoint to the limitation above?

Berkowitz (1989) reformulated the hypothesis with negative affect theory.

· Frustration is just one of many aversive stimuli (loneliness, jealousy, pain) that create negative feelings.

· Aggression is triggered by negative feelings generally, not frustration specifically.

· Frustration can produce a range of responses, only one of which is aggression.