Chapter 10: Aggression

Frustration-agression theory

the theory that frustration - the perception that you are being prevented from attaining a goal - increases the probability of an aggressive response

Hostile aggression

aggression stemming from feelings of anger and aimed at inflicting pain or injury

Instrumental aggression

aggression as a means to some goal other than causing pain

Example of instrumental aggression

terrorism

Hostile vs instrumental aggression

-hostile: do it out of anger, worked up

-instrumental: do it for strong reason (protection, to get attention). here, aggression is a means to meet another end

Displacement

the redirection of aggression to a target other than the source of the frustration

Relative deprivation

the perception that we are worse off relative to those with whom we compare ourselves

Weapons effect (aggression cues)

the mere presence of weapons increases aggressive thoughts and behavior

Social learning theory (Bandura)

the theory that we learn social behavior by observing and imitating and by being rewarded or punished

Media influence on aggression; imitation

media portrayals evoke imitation - but this is true of prosocial behavior as well as of antisocial behavior

Group influence on aggression

- diffusion of responsibility amplifies aggressive reactions

- social contagion where an individual's feelings and actions can be influenced by others

- as group identity develops, self identity diminishes

Catharsis hypothesis

expressing aggressive energy relieves aggressive urges

Criticisms of catharsis hypothesis

- expressing aggression tends to actually breed further aggression

- we may be able to counteract the factors that influence aggression

What are some ways that we can counteract the factors that influence aggression?

- reward cooperative, nonaggressive behavior

- teach nonaggressive conflict-resolution strategies

- model and reward sensitivity and cooperation

- reduce brutal, dehumanizing portrayals in media

- reduce TV watching and video-game playing

- teach non-negotiable rules and moral reasoning