Aggression Flashcards
aggression defined
any form of behaviour intended to hard someone or something
- intent us hard to define, but important to the definition
- acts intended to harm one’s self are aggressive
assertiveness (the ability to assert your rights) is not aggression
- no harm or violation of others’ right
instrumental aggression
- also known as proactive aggression (deliberate)
- aggression is a means to an end
- generally a “cool” or rational decision
- includes aggression carried out to avoid punishment
- goal is to get something
- thought out
hostile aggression
- also known as reactive aggression (triggered, not thought out)
- triggered by anger (no other goal than to cause pain or damage
- generally impulsive, “hot”
- sarcastic humor is a kind of hostile aggression
- goal is harm
gender and aggression
- men engage in more physical (overt - more obvious) aggression, than women
- women view physical aggression as a loss of self control
- men view physical aggression as exerting control
- there are few gender differences in verbal aggression
- women are more likely to use indirect, than direct aggression (women use more indirect - relational, verbal aggression (gossip)
personality and aggression
3 traits associated with aggression:
1) irritability (type A personality)
2) rumination
3) emotional susceptibility (insecurity, anxiety, PTSD, depression)
- unstable high self esteem can produce aggressive responses (vulnerable to criticism)
- aggression prone individuals focus on immediate not long term consequences
intergroup aggression
- often more severe than interpersonal aggression (groups can be more aggressive than 1 on 1)
Reasons: - realistic group conflict escalates hostility (Robbers Cave Study)
- groups delegitimatize members of other groups (outgroup = “enemies”
- group polarization causes extreme views and behaviour
evolution and aggression
aggression can be seen as an adaptive response in many species (innate reaction)
- aggressive males gain sexual access to females
- aggression secure resources
- aggression aids the survival of thee group
levels of aggression vary widely among cultures
- culture can shape evolutionary impulses
- aggression might be necessary for survival
human biology and aggression
- studies of twins show that individual aggression has an inherited component - the role of genes
- environment also play a major role
- testosterone is clearly linked to human aggression
- low levels of serotonin can impeded the ability to inhibit aggressive responses
frustration - aggression hypothesis
early formulation:
- all frustration leads to aggression (depends on the individual, not always true)
- all aggression comes from frustration
- aggression results in catharsis
current thinking:
- frustration often leads to aggressive impulses, especially when the frustration seems intentional and unfair
- if aggression can be delayed, it is less likely to occur
catharsis
- the common belief is that you can “vent” your anger and get rid of it - this is not supported by research
- indirect venting (hitting a pillow instead of a person)) does not appear to reduce aggression
- direct venting (against the person who caused your frustration) increases aggression
- despite the evidence, people continue to believe in catharsis
cognitive influences: unpleasant situations
- negative emotions can become encoded with thoughts and reflexive behaviours
- aversive (stressful) situations can increase the urge for both fight and flight (unconscious)
- impulsive reactions can result (although higher order thinking can change the result)
- hot temperatures increase aggression
- aggressive cues can trigger aggression
- cognitive behavioural thinking can target aggression (changing your way of thinking)
cognitive neoassociation model of hostile aggression
check notes
alcohol and aggression
- alcohol is involved in about 50% of violent crimes
alcohol reduces: - inhibitions against aggression
- attention to personal and social standards
people are expected to behave a certain way when drunk (self fulfilling prophecy for inappropriate behaviour)
mediexcitation transfer (arousal )
- as with attraction, physical arousal can increase aggression
- stimuli that have produced increased aggression in studies include:
- physical exercise
- loud noise
- vigorous music
- violent music
social learning theory (Bandura)
- behaviour that is rewarded is likely to recur
- people learn by watching that for which others are rewarded
- children are most likely to model the behaviour of those they are close to and those with authority
- Bandura’s bobo doll study
- children imitate aggressive acts of those who commit them seem to gain reward
- observation of aggressive acts can generate aggressive scripts for handling problems
