types of aggression- psy 301 lecture

Relational Aggression

  • Definition: Aggression that harms others through damage to their social relationships rather than physical violence.

  • Importance of Social Bonds: As social creatures, our connections and reputations significantly affect our well-being. Feelings of exclusion or manipulation can lead to intense emotional pain.

Comparison of Gender in Aggression

  • Traditional view: Men are often seen as more aggressive due to physical aggression, while women may be viewed as less aggressive but more relationally aggressive.

  • Research Findings:

    • Women do engage more in relational aggression compared to physical aggression.

    • However, men also participate in relational aggression; both genders show correlation between relational and physical aggression.

    • Aggression can occur in various forms (e.g., from toddlers biting to adolescents spreading rumors).

Types of Aggression

  • Reactive Aggression:

    • Most common type; impulsive response to perceived threats or desires.

    • High impulsivity indicates lack of control in aggressive situations.

  • Instrumental Aggression:

    • Planned aggression aimed at obtaining a specific goal.

Age and Aggression

  • Aggressive Age Groups:

    • Majority of students believe age 12-18 is most aggressive, with a notable amount considering 4-7 year olds highly aggressive.

  • Infancy and Toddlerhood:

    • 70-80% of 2-3 year-olds exhibit biting; aggression in toddlers significantly more frequent but less severe.

    • Phrase "Hobbsian time of life" describes aggressive interactions among toddlers.

  • Adolescents:

    • Previously considered the most aggressive age; interesting shift shows that now adults (30+) may have higher arrest rates for violent crimes due to factors like the opioid epidemic.

Media Violence and Aggression

  • Debate:

    • Does exposure to violent media (video games, movies, music) contribute to real-life aggression?

  • Theories:

    • Release Theory: Consuming violent media may alleviate aggressive impulses (release pressure).

    • Priming Theory: Engaging with violent media may increase likelihood of aggressive actions in real life.

Research Findings on Video Games

  • Study Design: Participants play either violent or non-violent video games, followed by observing their aggressive behavior through various tests (e.g., hot sauce, hand-holding scenarios).

  • Class Predictions: Majority of students predict violent games increase likelihood of subsequent violence.

  • Outcomes: Research indicates exposure to violent video games generally leads to higher aggression levels due to:

    1. Physical Engagement: Active participation leads to higher arousal levels.

    2. Identifying with Violent Characters: Players often embody aggressive roles.

    3. Rewards for Aggressive Behavior: Games are designed to positively reinforce violent actions, encouraging repetition.

Understanding Aggression Through Case Studies

  • Psychological Evaluation: In incidents like the Columbine shooting, psychological assessments, including journals, can provide insights into the individuals' aggressive tendencies.

  • Encouragement for students to analyze the motivations behind aggressive behaviors by examining real-life examples of school shooters and relating them back to psychological concepts discussed in class.