Aggression Lecture Notes

Aggression

Chapter Outline & Learning Objectives

• Distinguish evolutionary, cultural, and learning explanations of aggression.
• Describe situational and social causes of aggression
• Explain how observing violence increases violence
• Identify ways aggression can be diminished

What is Aggression?

• Definition: Intentional behavior aimed at causing physical harm or psychological pain to another person.

Types of Aggression

• Hostile Aggression:
  • Stemming from feelings of anger.
  • Aimed at inflicting pain or injury.
  • Key characteristic: Inflicting harm in order to harm someone.
• Instrumental Aggression:
  • Aggression as a means to some goal other than causing pain itself.
  • Key characteristic: Inflicting harm in order to obtain something else.

Is Aggression Innate, Learned, or Optional?

• Evolutionary View
• Culture and Aggression
• Gender and Aggression
• Learning to Behave Aggressively
• Physiological Influences toward Aggression

The Evolutionary View

• Gender Differences: Males are generally more aggressive.
• Evolutionary Theory Explanation:
  • Males behave aggressively to secure status, as females choose males who offer the greatest protection and resources.
  • Males aggress