Chapter 13: aggression Flashcards
Explain the General Aggression Model (GAM) and its components. Provide an example to illustrate/apply the GAM model.
The general aggression model has a situation of factors including: emviroment/social situations which increase/decrease aggression, construal factors such as how people perceive and feel about situations, comments, behaviours and their level of arousal. Biology and cultural attributions also have an affect based on their norms and values that increase/decrease aggression. For example: dal hoco, the guy that hit Kieran probably had high levels of aggression due to personal issues, and cultural norms making it okay to punch someone.
Differentiate between hostile and instrumental aggression, providing examples.
Hostile aggression is a behaviour intented to harm another physically or psychologically based on feelings of anger and hostility that is meant to cause harm and suffering. For example: punching to let out anger or making a rumor up as revenge
Instrumental aggression is the beahviour intended to harm another in the service of motivation other than pure hostility such as attracting attention, showing wealth or reward, advancing political ideologies, goal is to cause harm and achieve external reward. For example: punching someone to feel stronger and bigger or making up a rumor to look better than they are.
Summarize findings on media violence and violent video games and their effects on aggressive behaviour.
Media violence can increase aggression often depecited from video games as it increases aggressive thoughts and behaviours, reduces prosocial behaviour and increases heart rate and blood pressure.
How might social rejection trigger aggression? Summarize the effects of social rejection on aggression and violent behaviour.
Social rejection and aggression are shown to be connected. This is shown through fMRI images where the cingulate processes physically painful stimuli kights up with social rejection. This could be an example as to why physical abuse occurs in romantic relationships.
discuss the role of construal processes in promoting or mitigating aggression.
Construal processes and aggression show how people perceive, comprehend and interpret situations, which plays a vital role in whether they will act aggressively.
Describe the “weapons effect” and its role in promoting aggression. What is the role of anger?
The presence of a weapon has been shown to make participants more likely to use a weapon in a room, and possession of a weapon makes aggressive acts more likely.
What is dehumanization, and how does it relate to aggressive acts?
Dehumanization is the attribution of nonhuman characteristics to groups other than ones own, can unleash aggression because its easier to harm someone who seems less human like ourselves.
What interventions can reduce aggression in individuals?
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps individuals identify and manage triggers, restructure negative thought patterns, and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Anger Management Training: Teaches skills such as impulse control, relaxation techniques, and effective communication to handle anger constructively.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practices like meditation, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation reduce physiological arousal associated with aggression.
Problem-Solving Skills Training: Improves the ability to handle conflicts without resorting to aggression.
Reinforcement of Positive Behaviors: Rewarding non-aggressive and prosocial behaviors to encourage repetition of such actions.
Role-Playing and Social Skills Training: Helps individuals practice appropriate responses to stressful or frustrating situations.
Creating Safe and Supportive Environments: Reducing exposure to aggressive models (e.g., violent media or abusive relationships) and fostering positive social interactions.
Conflict Resolution Programs: Implementing structured programs in schools, workplaces, or communities to teach de-escalation techniques.
Family Interventions: Addressing family dynamics that may contribute to aggression, such as improving communication and reducing domestic conflict.
Reducing Substance Use: Interventions targeting alcohol or drug use can significantly decrease aggression linked to impaired judgment.
Biological Interventions
Medication (if necessary): In cases of aggression linked to mental health conditions, medications like mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, or antidepressants may be prescribed.
Addressing Underlying Conditions: Treating conditions like ADHD, PTSD, or traumatic brain injuries that can contribute to aggressive behavior.
Awareness and Education: Teaching individuals about the effects of aggression and healthy ways to manage emotions.
School-Based Programs: Anti-bullying initiatives, peer mediation, and emotional literacy programs can help reduce aggression in children and adolescents.
Support Groups and Counseling: Providing access to peer support or professional counseling to share experiences and learn coping strategies.
Reducing Inequalities and Stressors: Addressing systemic issues like poverty, discrimination, or unemployment that may fuel frustration and aggression.
What are gender differences in aggression? What are the potential explanations?
There are large gender differences with men being more vulent and more often victims of violence, which is odten due to homorone levels, social learning and evolved tendencies. Men show more physically aggressive behaviours while women show more socially direct aggression. Men also often pay attention to the precaruious manhood hypothesis which is the idea that men must show strength and toughness to be considered a man.
