Agression And Assertion Flashcards
What is the definition of aggression
Hostile behaviour with intent to harm outside of the rules
What is the definition of assertion
Well motivated behaviour within the rules
What are the characteristics of aggression
Intent to harm
Outside of the rules
Reactive
Out of control
Deliberate and hostile
What are the characteristics of assertion
Controlled
Well motivated
Generally within the rules
Goal directed
No intent to harm
What are the 4 theories of aggression
Instinct theory
Frustration-aggression theory
Social learning theory
Aggressive cue theory
What is instinct theory
A theory that claims that all performers are born with an aggressive instinct that will surface if the performer is provoked
What does instinct theory suggest about aggression
That it is spontaneous and innate
According to instinct theory, what does a performer experience once the athlete has been aggressive?
An emotion called catharsis
What is catharsis
A cleanse of the emotions where sport is used as an outlet for aggression
What is the advantage of instinct theory
According to observers of this theory, sport can be used as an outlet for aggression that could otherwise surface in a different situation and see catharsis as a benefit of competitive games
What is the limitations of instinct theory
Not all aggression is reactive and spontaneous, some is learned and pre-intended
Some athletes don’t experience catharsis and instead become more aggressive and can continue to display aggressive behaviours after the game
What is frustration aggression theory
The theory that inevitable aggression occurs when goals are blocked and the performer becomes frustrated
Frustration then prevents them from achieving their aim
How is frustration-aggression theory similar to instinct theory
They both suggest that a performer has innate aggressive tendencies
What are the advantages of frustration-aggression theory
Aggressive behaviour acts as an outlet/catharsis for built up frustration which allows the performer to focus on the task at hand and control or compose themselves
What are the limitations of frustration-aggression theory
If the aggression leads to punishment and not success the performer will become increasingly more frustrated, leading to a worsening decline in performance
What is social learning theory
The theory suggests we learn aggression by associating with others and copying their behaviours
Observe > identify > reinforce > copy
What are the advantages of social learning theory
Aggressive behaviour is only copied if it is consistent/powerful and has a successful outcome
If negative consequences or punishment is observed after certain behaviours, they are less likely to be copied
What are the limitations of social learning theory
Aggression can be instinctive and reactive rather than being learned
Some players react aggressively without being in a situation where they can observe and copy others
What is aggressive cue theory
Suggests an increased frustration will lead to increased arousal levels and a drive towards aggressive responses
Suggests aggression occurs due to a learned trigger - aggressive response will only happen if certain learned cues are present
What are the advantages of aggressive cue theory
Aggression can be triggered in situations where the performer previously was not aggressive but was at a disadvantage, to gain an advantage over the opponent
What are the limitations of aggressive cue theory
Aggression can be instinctive and reactive rather than being learned
Some players react aggressively with out being in a situation where they can observe and copy others
What are some strategies to control aggression
Not enforcing aggressive strategies/tactics in training
Punishments for aggressive behaviour
Removing aggressive player from a situation
Reinforce non-aggressive rules and set non-aggressive goals
Use mental rehearsal/positive self talk to lower arousal
Channel aggression into assertion
