4.3c Aggression

Key Concepts of Aggression in Psychology

  • Definitions and Introduction

    • Aggression: Any physical or verbal behavior intended to harm someone physically or emotionally.
    • Distinction from everyday usage where aggressive intent might not always be present.

  • Frustration-Aggression Principle

    • Concept that frustration (blocking an attempt to achieve a goal) creates anger, which can result in aggressive behavior.

  • Social Scripts

    • Culturally modeled guidelines on how to behave in various situations that can lead to aggressive behaviors.

Biological Factors Influencing Aggression

  • Genetic Influences

    • Individuals with a Y chromosome are statistically associated with higher aggression levels.
    • The presence of low levels of MAOA (monoamine oxidase) correlates with increased aggression when provoked.

  • Neural Influences

    • The amygdala (emotion processing) and the frontal lobe (impulse control) are key brain areas involved in aggression regulation.

  • Biochemical Factors

    • Testosterone: Higher levels can increase aggression.
    • Alcohol: Lowers self-control and diminishes the frontal lobe's ability to regulate aggressive impulses, leading to increased aggressive behaviors when frustrated.

Psychological and Socio-Cultural Triggers of Aggression

  • Aversive Events

    • Factors like extreme heat, overcrowding, and pollution can provoke aggressive responses.

  • Frustration

    • Situations that block goals elevate aggression. Example: Baseball pitchers hitting a batter after frustration from previous actions.

  • Modeling and Reinforcement

    • Observing aggressive behaviors in parents or culture can reinforce similar behaviors in children.
    • Successful aggressive acts may be rewarded, increasing their likelihood of reoccurrence.

Role of Media in Aggression

  • Media as a Model

    • Children learn social scripts about aggression through media exposure.
    • Consuming media that glorifies risk-taking can lead to increased real-life aggression.

  • Desensitization Effects

    • Pornographic and violent media can lower empathy toward violence and normalize aggression such as rape or sexual assault.

  • Research Perspectives

    • Some studies suggest violent video games increase aggression, but trends in youth violence have decreased despite increased video game play, indicating a need for nuanced understanding.

Biopsychosocial Understanding of Aggression

  • Biological Influences

    • Genetic predispositions, biochemical factors (testosterone, alcohol), and neural factors (head injuries).

  • Psychological Influences

    • Domineering behaviors, role models, and systemic reinforcement of aggression (e.g., rewards).
    • Factors like frustration and low self-control contribute significantly to aggressive behavior.

  • Social-Cultural Influences

    • Loss of self-awareness (deindividuation), environmental stressors, lack of paternal involvement, peer rejection, and exposure to violent media can trigger aggression.

Considerations for Prevention and Management

  • Behavior Modification
    • Learning anger management and communication skills can help mitigate aggressive behavior.
    • Reducing exposure to violent media and fostering positive social scripts is also beneficial.

AP Exam Preparation

  • Study Questions

    • Explain the frustration-aggression principle.
    • What factors intertwine to produce aggressive behaviors?
    • How have social scripts influenced personal interactions with aggression?
    • Should laws exist to limit children's exposure to violent media? Why or why not?

  • Analytical Practice

    • Reflect on personal experiences with aggression and media influences to prepare for conceptual applications in exams.