Comprehensive Psychology: Aggression, Prosocial Behavior, and Relationships

What is aggression?

Any behavior intended to harm another person who is motivated to avoid that harm.

What are the two main forms of aggression?

Direct aggression (physical or verbal harm) and indirect aggression (social or relational harm).

What is hostile aggression?

Aggression driven by anger where harm is the primary goal.

What is instrumental aggression?

Harm used as a means to achieve another goal, such as robbery.

What does shooter bias refer to?

The tendency to more quickly perceive Black targets as armed compared to White targets, reflecting implicit bias.

What are the biological explanations for aggression?

Aggression is influenced by genetics, hormones (like testosterone), and brain structures (like the amygdala).

What is the Social Learning Theory in relation to aggression?

Aggression is learned by observing others, as demonstrated in Bandura's Bobo Doll study.

What is the Frustration-Aggression Hypothesis?

Frustration always leads to aggression, where frustration is defined as a blocked goal.

What is displaced aggression?

Aggression redirected toward a safer target, such as yelling at family after a bad day.

What is the Bystander Effect?

The presence of others reduces the likelihood of helping due to diffusion of responsibility and pluralistic ignorance.

What are prosocial behaviors?

Actions intended to benefit others.

What are the two main motives for helping others?

Egoistic (to benefit oneself) and altruistic (to benefit others).

What is the Empathy-Altruism Model?

Empathy leads to altruistic motivation, prompting individuals to help even when escape is easy.

What is the Good Mood Effect?

Happy people are more likely to help others.

What factors influence who helps?

Personality traits (like empathy), need for approval, and situational factors.

What is the Decision Model of Helping?

A five-step process involving noticing the event, interpreting it as an emergency, taking responsibility, knowing how to help, and deciding to help.

What is the goal of affiliation?

To form and maintain relationships for information, support, and self-esteem enhancement.

What are the components of closeness in relationships?

Intimacy, commitment, trust, responsiveness, knowledge, and care.

What is Sternberg's Triangular Theory of Love?

Love is composed of intimacy, passion, and commitment.

What are the two types of love described?

Passionate love (high arousal) and compassionate love (deep attachment).

What is the role of self-disclosure in relationships?

It builds intimacy when it is reciprocal.

What is the Equity Theory in relationships?

Fairness in relationships predicts satisfaction.

What is the Social Comparison Theory?

We affiliate to evaluate ourselves, especially in ambiguous situations.

What is the impact of media violence on behavior?

Exposure to media violence is linked to increased aggressive thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

What are the key factors that influence attraction?

Proximity, mere exposure, physical attractiveness, similarity, reciprocity, and flattery.

What is the Cognitive Dissonance theory?

Inconsistency between beliefs and behaviors leads to discomfort, prompting attitude or behavior change.

What is the role of accountability in inhibiting aggression?

Accountability can inhibit aggression by promoting social norms and consequences.

What are the main gender differences in aggression?

Men tend to exhibit more physical aggression, while women tend to engage in more indirect or relational aggression.