Introduction to Aggression

What is Aggression?

An act carried out with the intention to harm another person

What are the features of Aggression?

• Active

• Passive

• Physical

• Verbal

What is aggression?

Direct, overt, and obvious aggressive behaviour, such as yelling, swearing, threatening, or physically attacking someone

What is Passive?

A way of expressing negative feelings indirectly, such as anger or annoyance

What is Physical?

The act of using physical force or violence to harm others. It can include hitting, kicking, biting and punching

What is Verbal?

The use of words, tone, or manner to intentionally harm someone. It can include insults, threats, and other cruel or unkind remarks

What are the four types of Aggression?

• Indirect

• Direct

• Emotional

• Instrumental

What is Indirect?

Attempt to hurt another without face-to-face conflict

What is Direct?

Behaviour intended to hurt someone to their face

What is Emotional?

Hurtful aggression that stems from angry feelings

What is Instrumental?

Hurting another to accomplish another (non-aggressive) goal

What is Hostile Aggression?

It is sometimes called reactive or hot-blooded. This is impulsive aggressive behaviour. It is accompanied by physiological arousal

What is an example of Hostile Aggression?

Increased heart rate and blood pressure. It is often physical, but sometimes verbal or relational

What is Instrumental Aggression?

Proactive or cold-blooded because it involves using aggression as an instrument to get what you want. It is goal-directed and planned but not accompanied by physiological arousal

What is an example of Instrumental Aggression?

This would be typical of bullying which can be physical, verbal or relational and intended to provoke a response

Armed robbery is a form of instrumental aggression

The aim is to obtain money, not to harm people

What is Relational Aggression?

It involves damaging relationships by spreading gossip or withdrawing friendships.

This is instrumental when used as part of a plan or campaign of aggression to undermine an individual

What is an example of Relational Aggression?

It can be hostile, such as firing off an angry text or social media post in the heat of the moment

What did Olweus find out about bullying in 1993?

• One form of negative social interaction among children that has become a national concern is bullying. Bullying is repeated negative treatment of another person, often an adolescent, over time

• The negative treatment typical in bullying is the attempt to inflict harm, injury or humiliation and bullying can include physical or verbal attacks. However, bullying doesn’t have to be physical or verbal, it can be psychological. Research finds gender differences in how girls and boys bully others

• Boys tend to engage in direct, physical aggression such as physically harming others. Girls tend to engage in indirect, social forms of aggression such as spreading rumours, ignoring, or socially isolating others

What is a summary of aggression?

• Aggression is seeking to cause another person harm or pain.

• Hostile aggression is motivated by feelings of anger with the intent to cause pain, and instrumental aggression is motivated by achieving a goal and does not necessarily involve the intent to cause

What are two examples of aggression?

• Bullying is an international public health concern that largely affects the adolescent population. Bullying is repeated behaviours that are intended to inflict harm on the victim and can take on the form of physical, psychological and emotional abuse

• Cyberbullying is a newer form of bullying that takes place in an online environment where bullies can remain anonymous and victims feel helpless to address the harassment