Excitation transfer theory

what are the key points of this theory?

• focuses on the intensity of aggression

• how strongly we execute the behaviour

• specifies the relationship between arousal and the intensity of aggression

description of the theory

• physiological arousal is experienced without clear knowledge of the instigating factors

• arousal can be attributed to the object/event/person

• if the object/event/person is a salient target of aggression that instigates aggressive motives, arousal is attributed to it and increased the level of aggression

what is arousal attributed to

• the target of aggression

  OR

• something not associated with the target of aggression

why can a misattribution occur

• when experienced arousal Is caused by object/event/person who has not caused it

• when experienced arousal is not correctly attributed to its source

what influences the intensity of aggression

• arousal

what happens where there is an increase is arousal

• there will be an increase of aggressive behaviour

  OR

• there will be effect on intensity

what can arousal influence

• the intensity of aggression

• the direction of aggressive behaviour

• increased arousal can influence frequency of aggressive behaviour