In-Depth Notes on Aggression

Situational Determinants of Aggression

• There are five situational determinants of aggression:
  • Biology
  • Instinct: Natural behaviors that focus on survival and reproduction.
  • Genes: Hereditary factors that can influence aggressive behavior.
  • Neurochemicals: Hormones like testosterone and serotonin influence aggression.
  • Basic Learning Processes
  • Instrumental Learning: Learning based on the principle of rewards and punishments.
  • Observational Learning: Learning by observing the actions of others and the consequences that follow.
  • Frustration: The blocking of goal-directed behavior leading to anger and potentially aggression.

Biological Causes of Aggression

1. Instincts: Some behaviors may be hardwired and arise from evolutionary needs.
2. Genes: Certain genetic predispositions may make individuals more prone to aggressive behavior.
3. Neurochemicals:
   • High testosterone levels are correlated with increased aggression.
   • High serotonin levels can lead to better impulse control, while low serotonin levels can increase aggressive tendencies.

Basic Learning Processes

• Instrumental Learning:
  • Behaviors are shaped through rewards. For instance, if aggression results in a desired outcome, it may be reinforced.
• Observational Learning:
  • • Bandura's Bobo Doll Experiment illustrates this:
  • Children who observed an adult behaving aggressively toward a Bobo doll were more likely to take on similar aggressions.

Frustration-Aggression Hypothesis

• Original premise: All aggression results from frustration, which is defined as the blocking of goal-directed behavior.
• Revised Hypothesis:
  1. Frustration indirectly related to aggression (i.e., frustration causes anger which can lead to aggression).
  2. Frustration does not always lead to aggression; displacement can occur (redirecting aggression towards a different target).

Specific Situational Determinants of Aggression

1. Aggression cues: Objects or symbols known to elicit aggressive behavior (e.g., guns).
2. Heat: Higher temperatures are correlated with increased aggression. Data shows that incidents of violence increase during warmer months.
3. Alcohol: A significant percentage of violent crimes occur when the perpetrator is under the influence of alcohol.
4. Direct Provocation: If someone is the object of aggression, they are more likely to retaliate.
5. Viewing Violence: Exposure to violence in media, such as TV shows or video games, has been linked to aggressive behaviors in children and adults alike.

## Research Supporting Viewing Violence as a Determinant

1. Liebert & Baron (1972): Children watched either violent or nonviolent TV programs and were evaluated for aggression post-viewing. Results indicated higher aggression in children exposed to violent content.
2. Eron & Huesmann (1984): Longitudinal study correlating amount of violent TV watched during childhood with aggressive behaviors and criminal activity in adulthood.
3. Zillman & Bryant (1984): Examined the effects of viewing pornographic material on attitudes toward women and reported greater acceptance of violent behaviors.

Effects of Viewing Violent Media

• Modeling / Imitation: Individuals imitate aggressive behavior seen in media.
• Disinhibition: Seeing violence in media decreases social constraints against aggression making individuals more likely to act aggressively.
• Desensitization: Repeated exposure to violent media leads to reduced emotional responsiveness to violence.
• Attitude Change: Prolonged exposure can change how individuals perceive violence and/or justify aggressive actions.

Ways to Reduce Aggression

1. Catharsis: Engaging in activities that release pent-up emotions.
2. Punishment: Contingent punishment for aggressive behaviors can deter future acts of aggression.
3. Reality Check: Understanding the consequences of aggression can help reduce tendencies to react violently.
4. Be Proactive: Encourage positive interactions and understanding to prevent frustration from leading to aggression.