Download Types of Aggression

Types of Aggression
Physical
Active
Passive
Verbal
Hitting
Name-Calling
Don’t
shake
hands
Don’t
Say
Hello
Theories of Aggression
Instinct Theory: Through evolution, humans
have inherited a fighting instinct similar to that
found in many species of animals.
Leading Proponent: Konrad Lorenz (ethology)
He says we have a biological need for
aggression. It gets stronger as time passes
since the last aggressive act (like hunger
increases hours after a meal).
This causes our energy level (drive level) to
increase. This energy must somehow be
released (“catharsis”).
Theories of Aggression
Instinct Theory says that humans learn their
own individual ways of expressing aggressive
motivation. Nonhuman species behave in ways
that are genetically programmed and
characteristic of all members of the species.
Fixed Action Pattern: complex behavior
that is largely unlearned and found in all
members of a species (or subgroup), and
that is triggered by a very simple stimulus
in the environment (“releaser”).
Theories of Aggression
Social Learning Theory: Human aggression is
largely learned by watching other people behave
aggressively, either in person or in films. It is
also learned when we are rewarded for
aggression.
Leading Proponent: Albert Bandura
Frustration-Aggression Hypothesis: Our
motivation for aggression increases when our
ongoing behavior is interrupted or we are
prevented from reaching a goal.
Theories of Aggression
Negative Affect Theory: Proposed by Leonard
Berkowitz, it states that negative feelings and
experiences are the main cause of anger and
angry aggression. Sources of anger include:
pain, frustration, loud noise, foul odors,
crowding, sadness, and depression.
The likelihood that an angry person will
act aggressively depends on his or her
interpretation of the motives of the people
involved.