Aggression

Aggression = any form of behaviour towards the goal of harming another living being who is motivated to avoid such treatment

Assertion = forceful behaviour allowed within the rules of the game

Causes of aggression:

• society has violence - imitate this violence in sport

• society recognises some violence will occur - in rugby

• society has high expectations of success - increased pressure increases assertion, as the players will do anything to win

• social learning - see others acting aggressively, then repeating this

• desire to win

• participants coached to use violence

• aggression can be a trait of a person

• fans may expect aggression

• competition

Theories of aggression:

Instinct theory

•       linked to evolution

•       views aggression as a natural response

•       humans generate aggressive energy

•       aggression is instinctive and if not released will build up in the body

•       too generalised and simple

•       human aggression is often learned

•       human aggression is often not spontaneous, instead often being provoked

•       proves why some people are aggressive

•       aggression can be as a result of genetics

•       catharsis can be experienced

•       not all humans show aggression

•       some people are only aggressive in certain situations or environments

•       people can learn not to be aggressive

Frustration-aggression theory:

•       if a players goal is blocked, they become frustrated

•       frustration always leads to aggression

•       once released, a feeling of catharsis will be experienced - if not it will build up and cause an aggressive act

•       frustration can increase arousal

•       frustration does often lead to aggression - but not always

•       more realistic than the instinct theory

•       evident when watching sports      

•       useful for coaches to manage aggressive players

•       aggression cause occur without frustration

•       aggression isn't always satisfying

•       some performers are motivated by aggression

•       doesn't account for instinct theory

Aggressive cue hypothesis

•       performers build up frustration due to over arousal and frustration

•       the aggressive act will be triggered by a cue

•       some performers may be motivated by cues which cause others to become aggressive

•       evident when watching sport

•       doesn't explain why people are naturally aggressive when not provoked by a cue

Social learning theory

•       aggression is learned and not instinctive

•       learn to be aggressive through watching and copying

•       more likely to copy our significant others

•       disputes the idea of natural aggression

•       some people are naturally aggressive - supports instinct theory

•       explains why people are only aggressive in certain situations

•       supported by the bobo doll experiment

How can we reduce aggression:

• lower arousal - using imagery to remain calm

• attentional control - banning aggressive players

• removal - praising assertive behaviour

• goals - self talk to reduce frustration