CHAP #2

NATURE OF AGGRESSION
1. DEFINITION OF AGGRESSION:
In psychology, aggression refers to a range of behaviors that can result in both physical
and psychological harm to yourself, others, or objects in the environment. Aggression centers on
hurting another person either physically or mentally.

Atkinson and Smith et al: defined Aggression is a behavior intended to injure someone
physically or verbally or destroy someone.

Ellis (1976) considered positive aggression to be healthy, productive behavior if it

promoted the basic values of survival, protection, happiness, social acceptance, preservation, and
intimate relations.

(Bandura, 1973) defined negative aggression, as acts that result in personal injury or
destruction of property.

Aggression can be both direct and indirect, impulsive or planned. There is also no single, simple
cause. Biology can play a role, but environmental factors (such as our upbringing and exposure
to aggressive influences) and psychological (including mental health conditions like bipolar
disorder and PTSD).

2. Examples of Aggression

Examples of aggressive behaviors include physical violence, such as biting, hitting, and
kicking. Verbal hostility, like sending threatening messages through emails, phone calls, or
social media, or making threats against someone's life, shouting, and swearing.

3. Signs of Aggression

Aggressive behaviors can be:

 Physical, like beating, hitting, kicking, or stabbing another person. Damaging property is
also a form of physical aggression.
 Verbal, which may include mocking, name-calling, and yelling.
  Relational, which is intended to harm another person's relationships. This can include
spreading rumors and telling lies about someone else.
 Passive-aggressive behavior, such as ignoring someone during a social event or offering
backhanded compliments, is usually intended to allow harm to come to someone rather
than directly cause harm.

4. Types of Aggression

Psychologists divide aggression into two main types. Both are damaging to those who experience
them, whether as the target or the aggressor.

4.1 Impulsive Aggression

Also known as, affective or reactive aggression, impulsive aggression is characterized by

strong emotions. Impulsive aggression, especially when it is caused by anger, triggers the acute
threat response system in the brain, involving the amygdala, hypothalamus, and periaqueductal
gray.

This form of aggression is not planned and often takes place in the heat of the moment. If
another car cuts you off in traffic and you begin yelling and berating the other driver, you're
experiencing impulsive aggression.

4.2 Instrumental Aggression

Also known as, predatory aggression, instrumental aggression is marked by behaviors

that are intended to achieve a larger goal. Instrumental aggression is often carefully planned and
usually exists as a means to an end.

Hurting another person in a robbery is an example of this type of aggression. The

aggressor's goal is to obtain money, and harming another individual is the means to
achieve that aim.

5. What Causes Aggression?

Following are the several factors that causes aggression:

5.1 Biological Factors

 There may be genetic and hormonal factors that influence aggression. Imbalances in
certain hormones, like testosterone and cortisol, and neurotransmitters, like serotonin and
dopamine, may be linked to aggression. These imbalances can occur for a number of reasons,
including genetics.

Brain structure can also influence aggression. People with structural abnormalities in the
amygdala tend to show more aggression than their peers. Changes in other areas of the brain may
also contribute to aggressive behavior.

5.2 Environmental Factors

How you were raised may play a role in whether or not you engage in aggressive
behavior. People who grow up witnessing aggression may be more likely to believe that violence
and hostility are socially acceptable. Experiencing trauma during childhood can also lead to
aggressive behavior in adulthood.

Psychologist Albert Bandura's famous Bobo doll experiment demonstrated that

observational learning can also play a role in how aggression develops. In this experiment,
children who watched a video clip where an adult model behaved aggressively toward a Bobo
doll were more likely to imitate those actions when given the opportunity.

5.3 Psychological Factors

Several mental health conditions can be associated with aggressive behavior, including:

 Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)6

 Bipolar disorder7
 Borderline personality disorder (BPD)8
 Narcissism9
 Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)10
 Epilepsy, dementia, psychosis, substance use disorder, and brain injuries or abnormalities
can also influence aggression.
6. Nature of aggression

The nature of human aggression is viewed from four explanatory perspectives, derived
from the ethological tradition.

1. Adaptive Value

The first consists of its adaptive value, which can be seen throughout the animal
kingdom, involving resource competition and protection of the self and offspring, which has
been viewed from a cost-benefit perspective.

2. Phylogenetic Origin of aggression

The second concerns the phylogenetic origin of aggression, which in humans involves brain
mechanisms that are associated with anger and inhibition, the emotional expression of anger, and
how aggressive actions are manifest.

3. Origin of aggression

The third concerns the origin of aggression in development and its subsequent modification
through experience. An evolutionary approach to development yields conclusions that are
contrary to the influential social learning perspective, notably that physical aggression occurs
early in life, and its subsequent development is characterized by learned inhibition.

4. Motivational Mechanisms

The fourth explanation concerns the motivational mechanisms controlling aggression:

approached from an evolutionary background, these mechanisms range from the inflexible
reflex-like responses to those incorporating rational decision-making.

7. Theories of aggression

Several psychological and biological theories attempt to explain the causes of aggression.

1. Instinct Theory (Freud & Lorenz)

Sigmund Freud believed that aggression is an innate human instinct, similar to hunger
and sex. He suggested that aggression builds up inside individuals and must be released in a
controlled way to prevent dangerous outbursts. Konrad Lorenz, an ethologist, argued that
aggression has evolutionary benefits, as it helps individuals compete for resources and defend
against threats.

Example:

A person who plays violent video games or participates in competitive sports to release
aggression instead of engaging in real fights supports the idea of controlled aggression release.

2. Frustration-Aggression Hypothesis (Dollard & Miller)

This theory states that aggression is a result of frustration caused by blocked goals or
unmet needs. When people are unable to achieve their desired outcomes, they may become
aggressive.

Example:

A student who studies hard but fails an exam may become aggressive towards the teacher
or classmates as a result of frustration.

3. Social Learning Theory (Bandura)

Albert Bandura argued that aggression is learned through observation and imitation.
People, especially children, learn aggressive behaviors by watching others, such as parents,
peers, or media figures.

Example:

A child who sees their parents arguing aggressively at home may imitate similar
aggressive behavior with friends at school.

4. Cognitive Neo-association Theory (Berkowitz)

This theory suggests that aggression is triggered by negative emotions, such as anger,
pain, or discomfort. These emotions activate aggressive thoughts and behaviors.

Example:

A person stuck in heavy traffic under extreme heat may become aggressive and honk excessively
or yell at other drivers.
5. General Aggression Model (GAM)

The General Aggression Model combines multiple theories, stating that aggression results from a
mix of personal traits, environmental factors, and situational triggers.

Example:

A person with a history of violent behavior who drinks alcohol and gets into an argument at a bar
is more likely to become aggressive due to the influence of past experiences, intoxication, and
social conflict.

8. Management and Control of Aggression

1. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps individuals recognize and change negative thought patterns that lead to
aggression.

Example:

A person undergoing anger management therapy learns to replace aggressive reactions

with calm problem-solving strategies.

2. Emotional Regulation Techniques

Techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and meditation help control aggressive
impulses.

Example:

A stressed office worker practices deep breathing before responding to a frustrating

email, preventing an aggressive reaction.

3. Conflict Resolution Skills

Learning non-violent communication and negotiation skills reduces aggression in

personal and professional interactions.

Example:

Instead of fighting, two friends use active listening and compromise to resolve a dispute.
 Research has shown that anger management interventions can be a helpful way to learn to
control feelings of aggression. Developing an anger management plan ahead of time can give
you a roadmap to use when your emotions feel out of control. That plan should include ways to
reduce your stress levels, like:

 Being mindful of your anger warning signs, like clenching your jaw, a fast pulse, or
sweating
 Practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle
relaxation (PMR)
 Engaging with your senses by focusing on things you can see, smell, hear, touch, or taste
 Walking away from the situation
 Exercising to burn off excess energy
 Reaching out to a trusted friend or family member for social support
 Distracting yourself with another activity
 Reframing negative thoughts
 Learning to explore and accept the emotions underlying the aggression.

Conclusion

Aggression is a complex human behavior influenced by biological instincts,

psychological factors, and social learning. While it can be a natural response to threats or
frustration, uncontrolled aggression can lead to harmful consequences. Understanding different
types of aggression, emotional influences, and management strategies is crucial for promoting
peace and reducing violence in society. By encouraging emotional intelligence, empathy, and
constructive communication, individuals and communities can work towards a less aggressive
and more harmonious world.