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Aggression: Intentional behaviour aimed at causing physical or…
Aggression: Intentional behaviour aimed at causing physical or psychological pain to another person
Types
Hostile aggression
: Aggression stemming from feelings of anger with the goal of inflicting pain or injury
Instrumental aggression
: Aggression that is done as a means to achieve a goal other than causing pain
Myths
Aggression is innate: Nope. We are intrinsically built with the capacity for aggression. Whether we do it depends on our social experience and situation
Our closest species are the chimpanzees (who are very aggressive) and bonobos (who are into conflict resolution rather than aggression)
Aggression is
shaped by culture
: In nomadic cultures (reliant on herding), there are more risks of theft compared to cultures that rely on agriculture. As such, you are required to be quick and aggressive to respond to such threats more effectively
Social learning theory
: We learn social behaviour, like aggression, by observing others
Social-cognitive learning theory
: We learn social behaviour through observation and imitation and by cognitive processes, such as plans, expectations, and beliefs
Aggression also depends on
competition
. If there is increased competition, people are more prone to aggression
Physiological influences
Alcohol
Lowers inhibitions and impairs the part of the brain involved in planning and controlling behaviour, which disrupts the way we usually process information
"Think-drink" effect: When people expect alcohol to have certain effects on them, it often does (placebo effect for alcohol)
Pain and heat lower the threshold for aggression
Social situations
Frustration and aggression theory: People's perception that they are being prevented from attaining a goal will increase the probability of an aggressive response
Size and strength of the person you are confronting and their ability to retaliate
Relative deprivation: When people see a discrepancy between what they have and what they expect to have
Provocation and reciprocation: Aggression stems from the need to reciprocate after being provoked by aggressive behaviour from another person
Can be curtailed by being aware of mitigating circumstances at the time of the provocation
Weapons effect: An increase in aggression that can occur because of the presence of a weapon
Males are more aggressive than females: Nope. There is substantial overlap between female and male aggression. When they are provoked, there is less difference between aggression levels of both genders
Females show greater
relational aggression
: Harming another person through the manipulation of relationships
Severe physical punishment can reduce aggressive behaviour
For
children
: No it cannot. Children would more likely learn aggressive behaviour due to social learning
For
adults
: It can. But the punishment would have to be
prompt (follow quickly after the aggression occurred) and certain (unavoidable)
, which usually it isn't
Media violence increases actual violence: Nope
It has the strongest effect on those who already have an aggressive tendency
Short-term effects: Physiological arousal and excitement, aggressive acts are highly accessible
Long-term effects: Numbing and dehumanising effect (reduced empathy), social learning (I can also do it and giving them ideas on how to do it)
Catharsis
: The notion that "blowing of steam" by behaving aggressively or watching others do so would relieve built-up anger and aggressive energy and hence reduces the likelihood of further aggressive behaviour
Nope: Prior aggression leads to increased aggression
Reducing aggression
Self-awareness: Journalling, etc.
Aggressor to apologise sincerely and take full responsibility
Teach empathy to counter dehumanisation