Aggression Flashcards
aggression
behavior intended to harm another individual
proactive aggression
aggressive behavior where harm is inflicted as a means to a desired end (e.g. hired gun)
reactive (emotional) aggression
aggressive behavior where the means and end coincide; harm is inflicted for its own sake (e.g. revenge)
violence
an extreme act of aggression
anger
strong emotional reaction to a perceived injury
hostility
negative, antagonistic attitude toward another person or group
types of aggression (4)
- physical aggression
- verbal aggression
- relational aggression
- passive aggression
innate aggression - evidence
- people with more testosterone are more likely to be (physically) aggressive
- behavioral genetics supports heritability of human aggressive behavior
- men fought for status, women were aggressive to protect their children
- bullying as an adaptive strategy for specific conditions?
social learning theory
behavior is learned by observing others and the way they are punished or rewarded
positive reinforcement
when aggression produces desired outcomes
negative reinforcement
when aggression prevents or stops undesirable outcomes
punishment is most likely to decrease aggression when:
- it immediately follows the behavior
- it is strong enough to deter the aggressor
- it is consistently applied and perceived as fair by the aggressor
→ CERTAINTY > SEVERITY
cycle of violence
transmission of domestic violence across generations
gender differences in aggression
- men are usually more aggressive because of high testosterone levels
- overt aggression seems to be more socially acceptable in stereotypically male roles
- women can be more aggressive in indirect, relational aggression
machismo, culture of honor
even minor conflicts, disputes are seen as challenges to social status and reputation, therefore triggering aggressive responses
