Theories of Aggression and Prosocial Behavior

These flashcards cover key concepts related to theories of aggression and prosocial behavior, essential for understanding motivations for helping and the psychological underpinnings of aggressive behavior.

Instinct theories

Theories that suggest aggressive drive is instinctive in all humans.

Catharsis

The process of venting aggression to release pent-up emotions.

Venting anger

The act of expressing one's anger to potentially reduce aggression.

Altruism

Selfless concern for the welfare of others without regard to one's self-interest.

Egoism

Motivation to help others primarily for personal benefit.

Empathy-altruism hypothesis

The theory that feeling empathy for someone will lead to selfless helping behavior.

Hostile attribution bias

The tendency to interpret others' behaviors as having hostile intent.

Social exchange theory

The theory that all helping behavior is motivated by a desire to maximize rewards and minimize costs.

Feel good-do good hypothesis

The idea that people are more likely to help others when they are in a good mood.

Negative state-relief hypothesis

The theory that negative moods increase the likelihood of helping others to alleviate one's own negative feelings.