C5 - Aggression

Question 1

Define aggression?

Answer 1

Intent to harm outside the rules; hostile behaviour.

Question 2

Define assertion?

Answer 2

Well-motivated behaviour within the rules.

Question 3

What is the theories of aggression acronym?

Answer 3

A (Aggression cue hypothesis)
S (Social learning theory)
I (Instinct Theory)
F (Frustration - aggression hypothesis)

Question 4

Define the instinct theory?

Answer 4

Aggression is spontaneous and innate.

• The aggressive response is innate.
• Players use sport as an outlet for built-up aggression (catharsis).

Question 5

Define catharsis?

Answer 5

Cleansing the emotions using sports as an outlet for aggression.

Question 6

Explain the frustration-aggression hypothesis?

Answer 6

Aggression is inevitable when under frustrating circumstances e.g bad decisions from ref. If the aggression tendency can be released, catharsis may occur. If the aggression cannot be released, even more frustration can occur.

Question 7

Explain the aggressive cue hypothesis?

Answer 7

Suggests that aggression is caused by a leaner trigger.

• Aggression only occurs if leaned ‘cues’ are present.
• E.g, a coach may have allowed a football player to elbow the defender as his team works for positions in the penalty area as a corner is taken. The taking of a corner is a learner due for an aggressive response.

Question 8

Explain the social learning theory?

Answer 8

Aggression is leaned from experience, coaches, role models and significant others.

• Aggressive behaviour will be copied if it is reinforced.
• E.g a basketball player sees her team captain foul an opponent she is marking closely and the opposing player is put off her game.

Observe - Identify - Reinforced - Copy

Question 9

Name some strategies to prevent aggression?

Answer 9

Don’t reinforce aggressive acts in training
Punishing players with fines, sub them
Sending players off
Calming players down
Teach relaxation / stress management 
Set goals on performance not outcome
Reinforce assertion in training

Question 10

How do we prevent aggression?

Answer 10

• Don’t reinforce aggressive acts in training
• Punishing players with fines, sub them
• Sending players off
• Mental rehearsal reduces arousal- Teach cognitive techniques, e.g. imagery
• Teach relaxation, stress management, calming players down
• Set goals on performance not outcome
• Reinforce assertion in training
• Applying the rules consistently and fairly (fair play awards)
• Pointing out responsibilities to the team
• Walking away from the situation
• Applying sanctions immediately
• Non aggressive goals
• Highlight non aggressive role models
• Channel aggression into Assertion