CH 9 Aggression Flashcards
What is aggression
Aggression is any action or word meant to hurt someone.
Physical aggression = hitting, pushing, kicking.
Social aggression = gossiping, excluding people, hurting feelings.
Hostile aggression = hurting just because you’re angry.
Instrumental aggression = hurting to get something (like robbing someone).
Why do people become aggressive?
Biology – Some people are born more aggressive.
High testosterone, low self-control, or brain issues can increase aggression.
Alcohol makes aggression more likely.
Frustration – When someone blocks your goal (like cutting in line), you feel angry.
Sometimes you take it out on someone else (called displacement).
If you think someone is treating you unfairly, you’re more likely to lash out.
Arousal – Being pumped up (e.g., from sports, pain, heat, or loud noise) can spill over into aggression.
Learning – If you see others being aggressive and getting what they want, you learn to copy it.
Ex: Kids who watch violent TV or video games may become more aggressive (Bandura’s Bobo doll experiment showed this).
Groups – Being in a crowd or group can make people do things they wouldn’t do alone (like in riots).
How can we reduce aggression?
Teach people how to manage anger.
Reward good behavior instead of punishing bad.
Reduce violent media and video games.
Promote peaceful role models.
Encourage empathy and emotional control.
Media effects on aggression: Violent TV, movies, and video games can:
Teach aggression.
Desensitize us to violence.
Make us see the world as more hostile.
Catharsis myth
The idea that “releasing anger” through aggressive actions (like punching a wall) reduces aggression — but research shows this actually increases aggression.
