6.06 - side effects of aversive Part 2

Introduction to Aversives and Aggression

  • Discussion focuses on side effects of aversives and punishment, particularly aggression.

Types of Aggression

  • Displaced Aggression

    • This is when aggression is directed toward an object or organism that is not the source of the aversive stimulus.
    • Occurs when individuals cannot escape or control an aversive stimulus.
    • Example: A child bullied for lunch money may later direct aggression at an innocent peer.

  • Counter Control

    • This is directed aggression towards the source of punishing consequences.
    • Examples: Wars, rebellions, or teenagers rebelling against overly strict parents.

Displaced Aggression in Animals

  • Historical research indicates that animals show displaced aggression when subjected to unpleasant aversives (e.g., shocks).
  • Classic Study by Ulrik & Azran (1962)
    • Studied rats and illustrated that as the number of shocks increased, the number of aggressive responses between rats increased in a linear manner.
    • Rats engage in aggressive behaviors such as fighting, which are not observed under normal circumstances.
  • Other studies have shown similar results in monkeys, where aversive stimuli like tail pinches lead to increased aggression towards unrelated monkeys.

Key Findings from Animal Studies

  • As intensity of shocks increases, aggressive responses also increase:
    • Linear relationship demonstrated between shocks administered and displaced aggression.
  • Monkeys often exhibit aggression towards another when subjected to a painful stimulus.
    • Choice behavior in stress-induced scenarios, where subjects prefer to attack toys or objects rather than escape the aversive.

Human Aggression

  • Human studies on aggression are more limited and often adhere to ethical standards.
  • Dunkirk's Research on Aggression
    • Explores stealing as a form of aggressive behavior in response to aversive stimulation.
    • Participants sometimes steal resources from others when provoked by aversives, illustrating displaced aggression or counter control.

Displaced Aggression in Families

  • Families can be common environments for displaced aggression due to stressors like financial hardship.
    • Parents may direct aggression towards family members due to work-related stress, resulting in verbal or physical abuse.
  • Socioeconomic Status
    • Low-income families demonstrate higher instances of physical or verbal abuse, but not all individuals in these conditions become abusers.

Mass Shootings as Displaced Aggression

  • Increasing trend in mass shootings correlates with societal changes since the 1980s.
    • Often these acts are directed at innocents who are not the source of the perpetrator's problems.
  • Common among those experiencing bullying or social exclusion.
  • Important note: The majority of mass shooters tend to be men, with a notable percentage being white males, although not all experience leads to violence.
  • Relatively little research is conducted on mass shooter motivations which complicates understanding aggression.

Conclusion

  • Aggression is a complex behavior influenced by aversive stimuli.
  • Displaced aggression and counter control provide insight into how individuals respond in both animal and human contexts, illustrating the impact of societal factors.
  • Understanding these concepts can potentially guide preventive measures in various environments.