Aggression Social Psychology What is Aggression l Behavior

Aggression Social Psychology

What is Aggression? l Behavior another intended to injure – It is behavior (not angry feelings) – It is intended (not accidental harm) – It is aimed at hurting (not assertiveness or playfulness)

Type of Aggression Indirect Aggression Direct Aggression Emotional Aggression Instrumental Aggression

Type of Aggression Definition l. Indirect Aggression Direct Aggression Emotional Aggression Instrumental Aggression Attempt to hurt another without obvious faceto-face conflict Example Spreading a rumor that your exromantic partner has a sexually transmitted disease

Results and Implication l l l Those watching the violent movie were more aggressive to begin with They became even more aggressive after watching the violent movie Implication: – Watching Violence Magnifies Violent Inclinations

Culture of Honor l A set of societal norms whose central idea is that people (particularly men) should be ready to defend their honor with violent retaliation if necessary… – Southern U. S. has more honor-related homicides (Nisbett et al. , 1995) – Southern students respond more aggressively to an insult in a lab setting (Cohen, et al. , 1996)

Self-protective aggression can increase danger l Center for Disease Control (1991) – This study found 1 in 5 H. S. students reported carrying a gun to school in preceding month

Self-protective aggression can increase danger l Kellerman et al. (1993) – Adults also often purchase guns for selfdefense – But guns are most often turned against friends, acquaintances, or self – Owning a gun triples chance of being killed

Frustration-Aggression Hypothesis l Original – The theory that aggression is an automatic response to any blocking of goal-directed behavior l Revised – The theory that any unpleasant stimulation will lead to emotional aggression to the extent that it generates unpleasant feelings