November 1: Aggression (Part Two)

desensitization

reduction in emotion-related physiological reactivity to stimulus

• familiarity with violence reduces physiological arousal to new incidents of violence, increasing acceptance of such acts

frustration

emotional response to goal attainment failure

displacement

aggressing against a substitute target rather than the source of the frustration (acts against the source may be inhibited by fear or lack of access)

How do aggressive cues affect aggression?

Aggressive cues, like weapons, increase the likelihood of aggression by priming aggressive and violent concepts

• Priming: cues elicit automatic associations

reducing aggression

Disrupt the frustration/anger-aggression link

• Focus on open communication and problem solving

• Limit rumination

• Build an empathic, anti-bullying culture

Structure social environments to be less conducive to aggression

• Reduce the presence of aggressive cues (e.g., weapons)