Topic five: The frustration-aggression hypothesis

What is the frustration-aggression hypothesis?

Dollard et al. (1939) suggested that aggression is a psychological drive akin biological drives such as hunger

Frustration always leads to aggression, and aggression is always the result of frustration

What is frustration?

The blocking of a goal you want to achieve, which creates an aggressive drive

How is frustration released according to the hypothesis?

Must be released by an aggressive act or violent fantasy

Aggressive drive is satisfied and so reduced

What is the redirection of aggression?

Aggression not always directed against source of frustration

When may aggression be redirected?

Abstract cause - e.g. state of the economy

Source too powerful - e.g. a teacher

Cause of frustration not present at time

Where is aggression redirected to?

A weaker, available alternative

What is catharsis?

The releasing of repressed emotions

Evaluate the frustration-aggression hypothesis

Supporting evidence - Marcus-Newhall et al. (2000) meta-analysis

Contradicting research - Bushman (2002)

Frustration does not always lead to aggression - someone who is frustrated may act in different ways

Deteminist

Outline Marcus-Newhall et al. (2000)

Participants who were provoked but could not retaliate against source of aggression were more likely to aggress towards innocent people than those not provoked

Suggests we displace aggression onto a weaker, available alternative

Outline Bushman (2002)

Participants who vented aggression by repeatedly hitting punchbag became more aggressive rather than less - doing nothing was more effective at reducing aggression

Suggests aggression is not satisfied and reduced by violent act