Aggression Flashcards
Define aggression
“Any form of behaviour directed toward the goal of harming or injurying another living being who is motivated to avoid such treatment.” (Baron & Richardson, 1994)
Is aggression always negative
Creating dominance , psychological harm ?
Assertive behaviours
Playing within the rules with high intensities and emotion but without any intention of inflicting physical or psychological harm on an opponent
What makes assertive behaviours different from aggressive behaviours
role modifications, defined by the rules of the game How does it fit with common definitions-no intent to harm in assertive behaviour, implying consent, rules define what is considered aggression
Aggression Criteria
- A behaviour- Something you can see – Overt action – physical or verbal 2. Involves intent – Purpose is to do physical/psychological harm 3. Involves harm of injury – Must result in injury 4. Directed toward a living organism – Not inanimate objects
• Hostile aggression:
Primary goal is to inflict physical or psychological harm on someone, simply for the sake of hurting someone (anger?) Violence = the physical component of aggression Harm inducing behaviour bearing no direct relationship to the competitive goals of sport, and relates, therefore incidents of uncontrolled aggression outside the rules of sport,
Instrumental aggression
Primary goals is non-aggressive (e.g., gain an advantage) rather than simply inflict physical or psychological harm Dominance
Sanctioned agression
Certain behaviours are sanctioned(i.e.,allowable in the rules) within sports (e.g., fighting in hockey; punching in boxing; tackling in football, etc.) • Any injuries from sanctioned behaviour sare generally not prosecuted… Assuming aggressive act was within the acceptable format/rules of the game • Aggression can be a central motivator for certain participants… personality types Even if there is penalties having penalties for that action makes it sanctioned
Instinct Theory (Catharsis Hypothesis)
• Innate instinct to be aggressive- Need to get rid of aggression, tension • Aggressive feelings build up until expressed-Build up that will continue to build till you release this tension • Instinct expressed directly or displaced through catharsis- Physical activity, working out really hard is getting rid of that tension • Sport provides a legitimate social outlet for the expression/release of built-up aggression -Can internalize, depression is the inability to express aggression
Causes/Theories of Aggression
Instinct Theory (Catharsis Hypothesis) Social Learning Theory (Bandura) Moral Reasoning Theory - branch of social learning theory Frustration-Aggression Hypothesis Revised Frustration-Aggression Theory General Aggression Model
Social Learning Theory (Bandura)
• Aggression is behavior that people learn through observing others who model particular behaviours- Don’t personally have to be reinforced but have to watch someone being reinforced • Reinforcement of exhibiting similar actions • Depends on the social status of the persons actions being copied • Emphasises important role of significant others in influencing aggression
Moral Reasoning Theory
Related to ethical view point (beliefs /values) or moral development. • Depends on your ability to reason around morals/ethical principles implied in the act. • Bracketed Morality – levels of morality are often suspended in sport settings. Willingness to engage in aggressive behavior is related to levels of moral reasoning.-Morals don’t come with us. Suspend morals in a sport setting (This is war, play to win, cannot bring morals ) -Majority of pro athletes Have this
Frustration-Aggression Hypothesis
• Sometimes called Drive theory • Aggression - frustration that occurs because of goal blockage or failure • Frustration – aggressive drive (fuels anger) – aggressive act- Just frustrated not ever aggressive in a game. Frustrated leads to aggression but we didn’t always see that Issue: Not all frustration leads to aggression Issue: Not all aggressive acts are preceded by frustration 
Frustration factors
• Rivalry-When goals are blocked • Annoyance-Annoyances build up causing you to become frustrated • Achievement Motivation Orientation-Ego are more likely to become frustrated than task orientation • Role
Revised Frustration-Aggression Theory
• Frustration leads to anger, increased arousal- Frustration usually accompanied by high levels of arousal • Anger increases likelihood of aggression… • But aggression only follows when environmental cues are right-Social and environmental cues dictate • Interactionist model – characteristics of person and the situation-Most commonly accepted approach
General Aggression Model
Recognizing importance of personal factors and situational factors Discounting froids theory Thought it through and still choose to do it Emotion of anger usually wins over thought process
