FREUDS THEORY OF AGGRESSION

Question 1

what did freud believe was the source of aggression?

Answer 1

• aggression stems from thanatos (death instinct) which is in constant conflict with eros (life instinct) - thanatos builds up and needs to be released to prevent self destruction

Question 2

how does freud explain catharsis?

Answer 2

catharsis is the release of aggressive energy in a socially acceptable way which prevents violent behaviour eg. playing sports, watching violent media

Question 3

how does the id influence aggression?

Answer 3

primitive part that seeks immediate gratification - the source of aggressive urges

Question 4

how does the ego influence aggression?

Answer 4

rational part that mediates between id and reality - controls aggression in socially acceptable ways

Question 5

how does the super ego influence aggression?

Answer 5

acts as the moral conscious and is in opposition with the id

Question 6

what is displacement in freuds theory of aggression?

Answer 6

displacement is a defence mechanism where aggressive impulses are redirected from the original source to a safer target

Question 7

apply freuds theory to explain why someone might shout at a sibling after a stressful day at work

Answer 7

the individual is using displacement to redirect aggressive negative energy from work (where expressing it could have negative consequences) to their sibling who is a safer target

Question 8

how might freuds theory explain aggression in sports fans after their team loses?

Answer 8

freud would argue it is a form of catharsis , fans are releasing built up aggressive energy by shouting or being physical in a socially acceptable context

Question 9

what is one strength of freuds theory of aggression?

Answer 9

acknowledges unconscious influences on behaviour and introduces idea that agression can be controlled or redirected , which has influenced therapy

Question 10

what is one criticism of freuds theory of aggression in terms of scientific credibility?

Answer 10

theory is unfalsifiable and based on abstract unconscious processes so difficult to test scientifically

Question 11

why might freuds theory be considered culturally biased?

Answer 11

it is based on western , early 20th century values and may not apply universally across different cultures with varying views on aggression

Question 12

how does freuds theory compare with biological explanations of aggression?