Social psyc ch13

Aggression

General Aggression Model

• A broad approach to understanding the causes of aggression through situational, construal, biological, and cultural factors.

Situational Determinants of Aggression

Types of Aggression

1. Hostile Aggression: Behavior intended to harm another motivated by anger and hostility.

2. Instrumental Aggression: Behavior intended to harm, serving motives other than pure hostility (e.g., attracting attention, acquiring wealth).

Influence of Hot Weather

• Heat Effects:

  • Higher temperatures correlate with increased aggression, evidenced by more violent crimes in summer.

  • Study: Baseball pitchers hit batters more often in hot weather.

  • Discomfort from heat may misattribute aggression toward others.

Media Violence

• Evidence suggests media violence can increase aggressive behaviors; however, lab studies limit the conclusion of real-world violence connection.

Violent Video Games

• Effects on behavior:

  • Increase in aggressive behavior and thoughts.

  • Decrease in prosocial behavior.

  • Effects observed across different demographics.

Social Rejection and Aggression

• Rejection may trigger aggression, evidenced by brain responses in fMRI studies.

• Chronic rejection correlates with aggressive behavior in relationships.

Income Inequality

• Characterized by moderately high levels in the United States; raises the question of its connection to increased violence.

Construal Processes and Aggression

• Interpretation of situations influences aggression likelihood.

Anger and Weapon Presence

• Study: Participants delivered more shocks when a weapon (gun) was present compared to a non-threatening object (badminton racket).

Dehumanization

• Attribution of nonhuman traits to out-groups makes it easier to harm them.

Cultural Influences on Aggression

• Cultural variations affect aggression expression; specific cultural values may lead to higher violence rates.

• Culture of Honor: Defined by reputation sensitivity and aggression in response to insults, particularly noted in the American South.

  • Higher homicide rates due to arguments in the South compared to the North.

Aggression and Sexual Violence

• Rape-prone Cultures: Cultures with high violence and frequent warfare tend to have rape used as a method of subjugation.

Evolutionary Perspectives

• Natural selection favors parents devoted to their offspring's success.

• Studies reveal higher violence rates against stepchildren compared to biological parents.

Gender Differences in Aggression

• Males exhibit higher physical aggression; females show relational aggression (e.g., gossip, social manipulation).

• Experience of precarious manhood may trigger aggressive behavior in men.

Conflict and Peacemaking

Misperception and Simplistic Reasoning

• Conflicts often viewed as polarized, inhibiting effective resolution.

Communication and Reconciliation

• Face-to-face communication is vital in conflict resolution, despite tendencies to avoid adversaries.

Restorative Justice

• Emphasizes accountability and reconciliation between victims and offenders.

Movement Towards Less Violence

• Current trends show a decline in aggression and violence worldwide, with interconnected interests reinforcing cooperation.