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