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Name- Akshaya Karthika Chivukula Sec- B Sem- III Enrollment No. – A7 0206922077 Course- BA. AP Aggression Report Introduction Aggression defined by American Psychiatric Association is a “well-studied, multidimensional phenomenon that may be parsed by cognition, affect, and behavior. Occurring as primary aggression and as a symptom of other psychiatric disorders, aggression is both common and destructive—of property, relationships, and the social order.” Aggression in psychology encompasses a variety of actions that have the potential to do harm to oneself, other people, or things in the surrounding environment, both physically and psychologically. The main goal of aggression is to cause bodily or mental harm to another person. Fear, worry, or a sense of being in control can all naturally lead to aggression in people. Aggressive behaviour might also be elicited by feelings of mistreatment, frustration, or lack of hearing. An individual is more prone to exhibit violent behaviours if they have never learnt appropriate techniques for managing their emotions. Psychology suggests that neural and hormonal mechanisms, as well as evolutionary, ethological, and genetic explanations, and social learning theory explanations, could all be contributing factors to the causes of aggression. Psychology also investigates how media and institutional factors affect violence. Types Of Aggression Aggression can mainly be divided in four ways- Accidental, Instrumental, Expressive and Hostile Aggression
Instrumental Aggression When harm is not the main objective of an aggressive act, but rather a means to an end, it is referred to as instrumental aggression. Put differently, the act of aggression is carried out by the person with a purpose other than causing harm. This sets instrumental aggression apart from other types of aggression, like hostile aggression, which have the primary goal of causing harm or pain. Accidental Aggression The term "accidental aggression" describes acts of violence or harm that are inadvertent or motivated by malice. Accidental aggression differs from other types of aggression in that it is not motivated by a desire to injure other people. Rather, it happens because of carelessness, ignorance, or unforeseen repercussions. Expressive Aggression Aggression motivated by emotions like rage, frustration, or fear is referred to as expressive aggression, sometimes called emotional or affective aggression. Rather than pursuing a particular objective, the main motivation behind expressive aggression is the expression or release of suppressed emotions. This kind of aggression is frequently impulsive and can happen without much thought beforehand. Hostile Aggression An aggressive behaviour type known as hostile aggression is defined by its main goal of hurting or injuring another person. Hostile aggression is motivated by rage, resentment, or the desire to cause suffering to others, as opposed to instrumental aggression, which views harm as a tool to accomplish an objective. It is impetuous and frequently results from irritation, perceived threats, or provocations. Factors Influencing Aggression Aggression is a complex behavior influenced by a myriad of factors that operate at biological, psychological, social, and environmental levels. Biologically, genetic predispositions play a role in
approach to intervention and prevention strategies. Recognizing the intricate connections between biology, psychology, socialization, and the environment is crucial for addressing the root causes of aggression and fostering healthier, non-violent behaviors in individuals and communities. Theories On Aggression Instinct Theory The instinct theory of aggression, proposed by Sigmund Freud, posits that aggression is an innate and instinctual drive in humans. Freud believed in the existence of a death instinct, known as Thanatos, which gives rise to aggressive tendencies. According to this theory, aggression is an unavoidable and natural aspect of human behavior, driven by an innate urge for destruction and hostility. Freud argued that this instinctual drive operates alongside the life instinct, Eros, which encompasses the desire for life, creativity, and procreation. While the instinct theory offered a pioneering perspective on the primal origins of aggression, it faced criticism for its lack of empirical support and the challenge of precisely defining and measuring these supposed instincts. Over time, contemporary theories have incorporated a broader range of influences, such as social, environmental, and cognitive factors, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding aggressive behaviors. Frustration-Aggression Hypothesis Theory The Frustration-Aggression Hypothesis, formulated by John Dollard and Neal Miller, represents a foundational theory in the study of aggression. This hypothesis posits a direct and causal relationship between frustration and aggressive behavior, suggesting that the mere experience of thwarted goals or obstacles can evoke aggressive responses. According to Dollard and Miller, frustration generates a psychological discomfort that seeks an outlet, and aggression serves as a natural and instinctive release of this pent-up energy. While the hypothesis initially proposed a straightforward cause-and-effect relationship, subsequent research has refined its understanding by acknowledging the role of various factors in moderating the frustration-aggression link. Criticisms of oversimplification have led to the development of more nuanced perspectives on aggression, integrating additional psychological, social,
and cognitive factors into the understanding of aggressive behavior. Nonetheless, the Frustration- Aggression Hypothesis laid the groundwork for exploring the intricate connections between frustration and aggression, contributing significantly to the broader field of aggression research. Social Learning Theory Albert Bandura's Social Learning Theory is a seminal contribution to the understanding of aggression, offering a comprehensive framework that extends beyond innate drives or external provocations. The theory contends that individuals learn aggressive behaviors through observational learning, imitation, and reinforcement. Bandura emphasized the importance of role models in shaping behavior, asserting that people are more likely to imitate actions they perceive as rewarded or socially accepted. The theory also introduces the concept of vicarious reinforcement, where individuals observe and learn from the consequences of others' behaviors. Bandura's Bobo doll experiments exemplified how children exposed to aggressive adult models were more likely to replicate similar aggressive behaviors. Social Learning Theory underscores the dynamic interplay between environmental influences, cognitive processes, and behavior, expanding our understanding of aggression beyond purely instinctual or reactive responses. This theory has had a lasting impact on psychology, emphasizing the crucial role of observational learning in shaping various behaviors, including aggression, and influencing subsequent research on aggression and behavior modification.
