Sports Psychology - Aggression Flashcards
Define agression
Intent to harm outside the laws of the game
Deine assertion
Forceful behaviour within the laws of the event
Define catharsis
The release of frustration that leads to a feeling of well being
What could cause aggression?
Personality
Frustration
Stress / anxiety
Hostile crowd
Perceived unfairness
Copying others
Agressive cues
Rivalry
High expectation/pressure
Identify the 4 theories of aggression
- Instinct theory
- Social learning theory
- Frustration aggression hypothesis
- Agressive-cue hypothesis
Describe the instinct theory of aggression
The instinct theory suggests that aggression is a natural response, and that some people are born aggressive.
It is a trait that is innate and enduring.
If someone is naturally aggressive they are likely to be aggressive in all situations
Strengths of instinct theory of aggression
- Some people are always/consistently aggressive
- Animalistic natural response to threat
- Children of aggressive parents are more likely to be aggressive (genes)
Weaknesses of instinct theory of aggression
- Its too simplistic
- Aggression is not often spontaneous, its usually provoked
- Aggression can be learnt
- If aggression is innate, how did people learn the behaviour in the first place
- Some people can control their aggression
Describe the social learning theory of aggression
Suggests that aggressive behaviours are learnt through watching and copying others
Strength of SLT
- Real life scenarios where people have copied aggressive behaviours they’ve seen on TV (Suarez biting ear)
Weaknesses of SLT
- Where did aggressive behaviours first originate from if we can only learn through copying others
- Why doesn’t everyone copy aggressive behaviours
Describe frustration aggression theory of aggression
Suggests that if you become frustrated it will always lead to aggression.
Frustration is caused if your goal has been blocked and you can’t achieve what you want, so you become aggressive as a response.
Once aggression is initiated, it will reduce the frustration that leads to catharsis
Strength of frustration theory of aggression
It explains how anger can be a reactive response to threat.
Weakness of frustration theory of aggression
- Not everyone becomes aggressive if they’re frustrated, it can depend on environmental cues.
- It doesn’t explain individual differences in how people respond to frustration.
- Venting anger can make some people more aggressive, rather than be a cathartic release
- It doesn’t take into account free will and morals
Describe the aggressive-cue hypothesis
When an individual is frustrated, there is an increase in their arousal levels, which creates a predisposition or readiness for aggression.
If aggression is going to occur then a certain stimuli must be present that acts as cues for athletes, who would then associate the cues with having to be aggressive.
Aggressive cues include items such as a baseball bat.
