Aggression Flashcards
Define ‘aggression’
Aggression is a term used to describe forceful behaviour in sport.
Bull (1990) “Aggression is any behaviour that is intended to harm another individual by physical or verbal means”.
Baron “ Aggression is any form of behaviour directed towards the goal of harming or injuring another living being motivated to avoid such treatment”.
Explain what is meant by the term ‘hostile agression’
This is the deliberate intention to injure or harm, it breaks the rules of the game and should be eradicated form sport. For example a spear tackle in rugby.
Explain what is meant by the term ‘channelled aggression’
This is robust skill which is directed towards completing a skill successfully and not primarily inflicting injury. Often referred to as assertion. Foe example a legitimate tackle in rugby.
Define ‘assertion’
This behaviour does not intend to harm and is strictly within the rules and spirit of the game. The major aim is the successful completion of the task.
Identify the causes or antecedents of aggressive behaviour
Excessive pressure to win Retaliation to an incident Copying other performers Nature of the game e.g. ice hockey Being on losing team by a wide margin Previous ill-feeling between teams or players Actual or perceived unfairness Frustration at poor performance
List the four theories of aggression
- Instinct Theory
- Social Learning Theory
- Frustration Aggression Hypothesis
- Aggression Cue Hypothesis
Describe the INSTINCT THEORY of aggression
Freud (1920) initially proposed this theory that aggression is genetically inherited and a trait of violence lies within everyone. This theory was then developed by Lorenz (1966) claiming that this aggressive energy is constantly building up and needs to be released.
Describe the SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY of aggression
Bandura presented this theory in (1966) proposing that all behaviour is learned. Aggression is nurtured through environmental factors and can be developed by watching and copying role-models. It can become accepted if this behaviour is reinforced and is likely to occur if it is the norm of the group.
Describe the FRUSTRATION AGGRESSION HYPOTHESIS
Dollard (1939) proposed this interactionist theory whereby frustration develops when goal directed behaviour or a need to achieve is blocked. For example, defeat, good opposition or poor officiating. This is interactionist due to the fact that frustration is generated by environmental triggers.
Describe the AGGRESSION CUE HYPOTHESIS
This theory builds on Dollard’s work. Berkowitz (1969) believes that frustration leads to increased arousal which causes a ‘readiness’ for aggression which is only triggered when a provocative environmental cue is present. Frustration alone does not cause aggression.
Explain how aggression can be eliminated
Cognitive methods - mental or physical processes such as imagery, positive self talk, counting to ten, distancing oneself
Somatic methods - physical processes such as biofeedback using electronic influences to measure physiological reactions, relaxation techniques and breathing exercises.
