Frustration aggression hypothesis 6

Definition of Frustration: 

Occurs when goals are blocked, leading to feelings of anger and aggression as a response. 

 

Psychodynamic Basis (Catharsis):  

Aggression is a biological drive (Freud). 

Catharsis releases built-up aggression, reducing anger (“getting it off your chest”). 

 

Stages of the Hypothesis:  

Drive to goal → Obstacle → Frustration → Anger → Aggression → Catharsis. 

 

Key Factors Increasing Frustration:  

  • Strong motivation to achieve a goal. 

  • High expectations of gratification. 

  • Feeling powerless to change the situation. 

 

Conflicting research evidence: 

Brown et al. (2001): 

British holidaymakers frustrated by blocked travel routes developed hostile attitudes. 

 

Russell Green (1968): 

Male students completing a puzzle experienced manipulated frustration (impossible task, interference, insults).  

Results: Frustrated participants gave more intense shocks in a subsequent task than non-frustrated participants.  

 

Berkowitz (1969): 

  

Revised hypothesis: Frustration creates readiness for aggression, but aggression is only triggered by environmental cues (e.g., weapons). 

 

Defense Mechanisms (Psychodynamic Approach): 

Sublimation: 

Redirecting unacceptable aggression into socially acceptable actions. 

Example: A person with violent impulses becoming a surgeon. 

 

Displacement: 

Redirecting anger to a less threatening target (e.g., kicking a dog when angry at a boss). 

 

Evaluation of the Hypothesis: 

Strengths: 

Explains real-world phenomena, such as: 

  • Sports violence – Swedish football fans exhibited more aggression when their team performed worse (Priks) 

  • Mass killings Staub – Economic/social frustration can lead to scapegoating and genocide (Staub) 

Provides a basis for understanding how frustration triggers aggression. 

 

Weaknesses:  

Reductionist: Ignores biological factors like genetics (e.g., MAOA gene). 

Aggression is not the only outcome of frustration; social learning and conditioning influence responses. 

 

Research by Bushman contradicts catharsis theory: venting aggression (e.g., punching a pillow) increases aggressive thoughts rather than reducing them.   

Suggestion: Venting does not alleviate aggression and may reinforce aggressive behavior.