How does aggression work? - Chapter 12

What is this chapter about?

This chapter is about aggression, which is defined as behaviour intended to harm another person who is motivated to avoid such treatment. The chapter covers definitions and measurements of aggression, theoretical perspectives on aggression, personal and situational variations in aggression, the general aggression model, the role of mass media on aggression, domestic and intimate partner violence, institutionalized aggression, and interventions for reducing aggression. The chapter emphasizes the importance of understanding the causes and consequences of aggression and highlights the need for effective strategies to reduce and prevent aggressive behaviour.

What counts as aggression?

Aggression is behaviour that is intended to harm another individual who does not wish to be harmed. So, aggression involves intentional behaviour aimed at causing harm, and the victim must not desire to experience this harm. If a dentist hurts someone, for example, he does not intend to harm that person so this is not aggression. Aggression is a common occurrence in our community and can have negative consequences, both for the aggressor and the victim. Aggression can take various forms, including verbal, physical, and relational aggression. Verbal aggression includes behaviours such as name-calling, yelling, and insulting others, while physical aggression refers to behaviours that involve physical harm, such as hitting, punching, or kicking. Relational aggression is a form of aggression that aims to damage social relationships, such as spreading rumors or excluding someone from a social group.

However, defining and measuring aggression is not an easy task. There are different definitions of aggression, and what one person may consider as aggressive behaviour may not be perceived as such by another person. Additionally, aggression can be challenging to measure objectively, as it often occurs in private settings, making it difficult to observe and measure accurately.

To overcome these challenges, researchers have developed various methods for measuring aggression, including self-report measures and behavioural observations. Self-report measures involve asking individuals to report their own aggressive behaviours or the aggressive behaviours they have experienced from others. Behavioural observations involve observing and recording actual aggressive behaviours in naturalistic or laboratory settings. Self-report measures are subject to social desirability bias and both victims and aggressors are often ashamed of aggression, which would stop them from reporting on it. Behavioural observations can provide more objective and reliable measures of aggression.

How does social psychology understand aggression?

What are the theoretical perspectives to explain aggression?

There are theoretical perspectives that can explain aggression:

• The biological perspective suggests that aggression is rooted in our evolutionary history and can be linked to genetic and physiological factors. For example, some studies have found that individuals with high levels of testosterone are more prone to aggressive behaviour. This perspective suggests that aggression is an innate behaviour that has evolved to help individuals survive and reproduce.

• The social learning perspective, on the other hand, emphasizes the role of environmental and social factors in shaping aggressive behaviour. According to this perspective, aggression is learned through observation, imitation, and reinforcement. Children may learn aggressive behaviour from parents, peers, and the media, and may continue to engage in aggressive behaviour if they perceive it as effective in achieving their goals.

• The cognitive perspective focuses on the role of cognitive processes in shaping aggressive behaviour. This perspective suggests that aggressive behaviour is influenced by the way individuals perceive and interpret social situations. For example, individuals who have a hostile attribution bias may be more likely to interpret ambiguous situations as threatening and respond with aggression.

By understanding these different theoretical perspectives, researchers can develop a more comprehensive understanding of the causes and consequences of aggression. For example, interventions that focus on reducing aggressive behaviour may target biological factors, such as reducing testosterone levels, or social and cognitive factors, such as teaching individuals how to interpret social situations more accurately or reducing exposure to violent media. Be aware that these perspectives don’t exclude each other: they can all help to explain specific cases of aggression. The different theoretical perspectives emphasize the need for a multidisciplinary approach to understanding and preventing aggressive behaviour.

What does the general aggression model say about aggression?

The General Aggression Model (GAM) is a theoretical model that seeks to explain how personal and situational factors interact to influence aggressive behaviour. The GAM suggests that aggression is the result of a complex interplay between various personal and situational factors. Personal factors, such as personality traits and prior experiences, can influence an individual's interpretation of situational cues and their emotional and cognitive responses to those cues. This, in turn, can influence their behavioural response, including whether they engage in aggressive behaviour. Situational factors, such as the presence of weapons, provocation, or alcohol consumption, can also influence aggressive behaviour by altering an individual's emotional and cognitive state. Situational factors can also influence how an individual perceives the social context, including whether they perceive social norms as supportive or unsupportive of aggression.

For example, individuals who score high on measures of trait aggression or hostility are more likely to engage in aggressive behaviour. Men are also more likely than women to engage in physical aggression, although women may be more likely to engage in relational aggression. Cultural factors can also play a role in shaping aggressive behaviour, as some cultures may be more accepting of aggression than others. Frustration is one common situational factor that can lead to aggression, as individuals may become angry and lash out when they are prevented from achieving their goals. Provocation is another situational factor that can trigger aggression, as individuals may respond aggressively when they feel they have been insulted or threatened. Alcohol consumption can also increase the likelihood of aggressive behaviour, as it can lower inhibitions and impair judgment.

It's important to note that the relationship between personal and situational factors and aggression is complex and can be influenced by a range of other factors. For example, some research suggests that the link between personality and aggression may be stronger in certain contexts, such as when individuals are exposed to frustration or provocation. Additionally, situational factors can interact with personal factors to shape aggressive behaviour. For example, alcohol consumption may be more likely to trigger aggressive behaviour in individuals who are already predisposed to aggression due to personality or other factors.

What is the role of mass media on aggression?

Mass media can influence aggression, both directly and indirectly. One way that media can impact aggression is by providing models of aggressive behaviour. Television programs, movies, video games, and other forms of media can all depict violent or aggressive acts, which may be imitated by viewers, particularly children and adolescents who are more susceptible to these influences. These media depictions can also shape viewers' perceptions of what is acceptable or normative behaviour.

Exposure to violent or aggressive media can also desensitize individuals to violence. The more an individual is exposed to violent content, the less likely they are to respond emotionally or with empathy to real-world instances of violence. This desensitization can lead to a culture of aggression, where violent behaviour becomes normalized and accepted.

However, the impact of media on aggression is not universal and depends on individual and contextual factors. Individual factors such as personality traits and demographics can influence how individuals respond to media, with some individuals being more susceptible to media influences than others. Contextual factors such as stress and frustration can also exacerbate the impact of media on aggression.

There are ways to mitigate the negative effects of media on aggression, such as media literacy programs that teach individuals how to critically evaluate media content and parental monitoring of children's media consumption. Media creators perhaps also have a responsibility to consider the potential impact of their content on viewers and to make responsible decisions regarding what they depict in their media.

What is domestic and intimate partner violence?

Domestic violence refers to any form of violence or abuse that occurs within a domestic or family setting. Intimate partner violence specifically refers to violence or abuse that occurs within a romantic or sexual relationship.

Victims of domestic and intimate partner violence can experience a range of negative consequences, including physical injury, emotional trauma, and financial hardship. Children who witness domestic violence also experience negative outcomes, such as developmental delays or mental health problems.

There are several risk factors associated with domestic and intimate partner violence. Gender is one significant risk factor, as women are more likely than men to experience domestic violence. Age is also a risk factor, with younger individuals being at higher risk for intimate partner violence. Relationship status can also play a role, as individuals who are separated, divorced, or in a relationship with a history of violence are at increased risk for domestic violence.

Cultural factors can also influence the likelihood of domestic violence. Some cultures may be more accepting of violence or may prioritize family unity over individual well-being, which can contribute to a higher likelihood of domestic violence. For example, in some cultures, it may be considered acceptable for a husband to physically discipline his wife or children, even if it involves the use of violence. This cultural acceptance of violence can make it more difficult for victims to seek help or report abuse. Cultural factors can also influence gender roles and expectations, which can contribute to the likelihood of domestic violence. For example, in cultures where men are expected to be dominant and aggressive, women may be more likely to experience intimate partner violence. In contrast, cultures that prioritize gender equality and mutual respect may have lower rates of domestic violence.

Additionally, factors such as poverty, substance abuse, and mental health problems can increase the risk of domestic violence. The more stress there is in a household or family, the higher the risk of violence.

Preventing domestic and intimate partner violence requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both individual and systemic factors. This may include interventions that focus on education and awareness, providing resources and support for victims, and addressing underlying social and cultural factors that contribute to domestic violence. It may also involve legal and policy changes to provide greater protection for victims and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.

What is institutionalized aggression?

Institutionalized aggression is a form of aggression that is sanctioned by social institutions such as the military, law enforcement, and sports. Institutionalized aggression can take many forms, ranging from physical violence to verbal abuse and hazing rituals. For example, military training often involves physical and psychological aggression, such as boot camp drills and exposure to combat simulations. Similarly, law enforcement may use physical force as part of their duties, such as when apprehending suspects or responding to violent incidents. Sports can also involve institutionalized aggression, particularly in contact sports such as football, hockey, and boxing. While some degree of physical contact may be necessary in these sports, there is a risk that the competitive environment can lead to excessive aggression and violent behaviour.

Institutionalized aggression can have harmful effects on individuals and society as a whole. For example, individuals who experience institutionalized aggression may be at increased risk of developing mental health problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Additionally, institutionalized aggression may perpetuate a culture of violence and contribute to societal acceptance of aggression as a means of solving problems.

It's important to recognize the potential harm of institutionalized aggression and to work towards reducing its prevalence and impact. This may involve implementing policies and training programs to promote nonviolent conflict resolution in social institutions, as well as encouraging individual and collective responsibility for preventing aggression. It may also involve changing societal attitudes towards violence and aggression, such as by promoting positive values such as respect, empathy, and compassion.

How can aggression be reduced?

There are a lot of different interventions that can be used to reduce aggression. It depends on the specific case which intervention is the best fit.

Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is an intervention that aims to change negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to aggression. Through CBT, individuals learn to recognize and challenge negative beliefs about themselves and others, develop coping strategies for managing anger and frustration, and learn more effective communication and problem-solving skills.

Anger management programs are another intervention that can help individuals develop more constructive ways of expressing and managing anger. These programs typically involve cognitive-behavioural techniques such as relaxation training, cognitive restructuring, and problem-solving skills.

Social skills training is also an effective intervention for reducing aggression, particularly in children and adolescents. These programs aim to teach individuals more effective communication and social skills, such as active listening, assertiveness, and conflict resolution.

Prevention programs targeting specific populations, such as at-risk youth, can also be effective in reducing aggression. These programs often involve a combination of educational and behavioural interventions, such as providing information about the negative consequences of aggression, developing social and emotional skills, and promoting positive values such as respect and empathy.