Chapter 10

AGGRESSION
ITS NATURE, CAUSES AND CONTROL

FARHAN SHAHZAD [FACULTY MEMBER @ SUKKUR IBA UNIVERSITY]

AGGRESSION
Behavior directed toward the goal of harming another human being who is
motivated to avoid such treatment.
[Actions designed to harm others in some ways]
In the past Aggression involved:
 Face to face assaults against others, either verbal or physical
 Spreading malicious (hateful) rumors People believe: We are living in
But Nowadays: age where humiliating other is
 New deadly ways are there to harm others viewed as more acceptable
 Spread embarrassing photos with others than it was in the past .
 Embarrassing public posts in university

FARHAN SHAHZAD [FACULTY MEMBER @ SUKKUR IBA UNIVERSITY]

 Level of Aggression has REACHED “OTHER LEVEL”
Traditional form of Aggression has reached Terrorism, Mass Murders,
Genocide and list goes on..
FARHAN SHAHZAD [FACULTY MEMBER @ SUKKUR IBA UNIVERSITY]
Perspectives on Aggression: In Search of
the Roots of Violence
Going out and roam around city freely was not a big
deal. But nowadays it has become difficult, we
found security check post on almost every single
road.
Benefit others
at the cost to
oneself

Violence is day by day increasing in the world

FARHAN SHAHZAD [FACULTY MEMBER @ SUKKUR IBA UNIVERSITY]
The Role of Biological Factors:
Are We Programmed to Aggress:
Do you believe the aggressive actions are derived
from genetic factors?
Most social psychologist continue to reject the view
that human aggressions stem largely from innate
factors.
 Some accept the possibility of genetic factors indeed
play a role in human aggression.

FARHAN SHAHZAD [FACULTY MEMBER @ SUKKUR IBA UNIVERSITY]

Male vs. Female [Genetic Factors]
Male may have weaker tendencies to
aggress against females than against
males.

In contrast female might aggress equally

against males and females or even more
frequently against the males than other
females.
FARHAN SHAHZAD [FACULTY MEMBER @ SUKKUR IBA UNIVERSITY]
The Drive Theories:
The Motive to Harm Others
Aggression stem (originate) from external conditions
that arouse the motive to harm or injure others.
[Aggression is derived from frustration]
Any thing that prevents us from reaching goals we are
seeking— create Frustrations.
Frustration-Aggression Hypothesis:
Frustration is the strongest cause or perhaps only
cause of aggression.
FARHAN SHAHZAD [FACULTY MEMBER @ SUKKUR IBA UNIVERSITY]
Drive Theories of Aggression: Motivation to
Harm Others

External Conditions
(e.g., frustration, Overt
Drive to Harm or Injure
unpleasant (Apparent)
Others
environmental Aggression
conditions)

FARHAN SHAHZAD [FACULTY MEMBER @ SUKKUR IBA UNIVERSITY]

Modern Theories of Aggression: The Social
Learning Perspective and the Aggression Model
Modern theories suggest that we should not focus on single
factor (instincts-nature, drives frustration) only as the
primary cause of aggression BUT there are many FACTORS
to from such behavior.
Social Learning Perspective: Human beings are not born
with large array of aggressive responses at their disposal.
But they are acquired or learned through direct experience
or by observing the behavior of others.

FARHAN SHAHZAD [FACULTY MEMBER @ SUKKUR IBA UNIVERSITY]

Individual learn from past experience &
culture in which they live
1. Various ways of seeking to harm others
2. Find out which people or groups are appropriate
targets of aggression.
3. What actions by other justify retaliation or revenge
on their part [Don’t waste energy if other don’t
respond]
4. What situation or contexts in which aggression is
permitted or even approved [Social Acceptance]
FARHAN SHAHZAD [FACULTY MEMBER @ SUKKUR IBA UNIVERSITY]
Social Learning Theory—Aggression
-Past experiences
-The current reward associated with such behavior
-Attitudes
-Values in the society i.e. Ethical Values

FARHAN SHAHZAD [FACULTY MEMBER @ SUKKUR IBA UNIVERSITY]

 Newer Framework—General Aggression Model (GAM)
Input Variables

Person Factors
Situational Factors Negative Affectivity
Provocation (Aggravate from other) Irritability
Frustration Beliefs about Aggression
Exposure to Aggressive Models Progressive values
Causes Associated with Aggression Type A Behavior Pattern
Causes of Discomfort/Negative Affect Hostile Attribution Bias etc
Factors that make you Uncomfortable: Individual Traits:
-High Temperature Current Internal State Irritating personality
-Polluted Environment Affect Belief about violence
- Witnessing people behaving Hostile Intentions
aggressively (Models)
Cognition Arousal Restrain
Thoughtful Action
Anger

Mental Capability Appraisal and Impulsive Action (e.g.,

How one perceive the event Decision Processes aggression
Causes of Human Aggression

Social Cultural

Personal Situational

FARHAN SHAHZAD [FACULTY MEMBER @ SUKKUR IBA UNIVERSITY]

 ia l
S oc
Basic Sources of Aggression:
Frustration and Provocation
Frustration: Any thing that prevents us from reaching goals we
are seeking— create Frustrations.
◦ Frustrated people always engage in some type of aggression.
On the contrary some people may not engage in aggression to
throw out their frustration by aggression they may react in
different ways i.e. sadness, despair (hopelessness), depression to
overcome frustration.
All aggression may not stem from frustration: Anger, fight
initiated from other individual

FARHAN SHAHZAD [FACULTY MEMBER @ SUKKUR IBA UNIVERSITY]

Direct Provocation: (When Teasing
Breeds Aggression)
Actions of others that tend to trigger aggression in the
recipient, often because they are perceived as stemming
from malicious intent. (Wrong intentions)
Provocation in-terms of: Criticism we consider unfair,
sarcastic remarks, or physical assault.
In return we reciprocate—return as much as we have
received.

FARHAN SHAHZAD [FACULTY MEMBER @ SUKKUR IBA UNIVERSITY]

Teasing:
Provoking statements that call attention to the target’s flaws
and imperfections.
-Passing humorous remarks or indirectly highlight
imperfections and flaws in person
For example:
You’re incompetent in maths, stay away.
You look like you’re hair just went through an electric shocks
etc..
Friendly Teasing vs. Hateful Teasing
FARHAN SHAHZAD [FACULTY MEMBER @ SUKKUR IBA UNIVERSITY]
Actions by others somehow threaten our status or
public image –that Push towards Aggression.

We react differently if we are in public space as

compare to private place.

FARHAN SHAHZAD [FACULTY MEMBER @ SUKKUR IBA UNIVERSITY]

 ia l
S oc
Social Exclusion and Exposure to Media Violence
Social Exclusion: It Hurts, and can Lead to Aggression
Social Rejection is often powerful trigger of aggression.
Exposure to Media:
Violence on media is contributing towards the aggression
within the society.

FARHAN SHAHZAD [FACULTY MEMBER @ SUKKUR IBA UNIVERSITY]

Excitation Transfer Theory
A theory suggesting that arousal produced in one
situation can persist and intensify emotional
reactions occurring in later situations.

FARHAN SHAHZAD [FACULTY MEMBER @ SUKKUR IBA UNIVERSITY]

Excitation Transfer Theory

FARHAN SHAHZAD [FACULTY MEMBER @ SUKKUR IBA UNIVERSITY]

 a l
lt uCultural
r Factors in
Cu
Aggression:
Cultures of Honor: If any person insults to one’s honor.
Jealousy: Jealousy about partner (Possessiveness)
Threat to Masculinity: Cultural Context, Economic
Independent, Responsibility

FARHAN SHAHZAD [FACULTY MEMBER @ SUKKUR IBA UNIVERSITY]

 a l
o n
e rs
P
Personality, Gender, and Aggression
Higher the Width-to-Height Ratio of Others’ Faces the Greater Aggression we perceive

FARHAN SHAHZAD [FACULTY MEMBER @ SUKKUR IBA UNIVERSITY]

The TASS Model: Traits as Sensitivities
to Various Situations
Respond when situation evoke them.
When situational factors are strong enough to activate it.
People who are Even WEAK
HIGH in trait of provocation will
sensitiveness stimulate an
aggressive reactions.

People who are Low Even STRONG

in trait of provocation will
sensitiveness NOT stimulate an
aggressive reactions.

FARHAN SHAHZAD [FACULTY MEMBER @ SUKKUR IBA UNIVERSITY]

FARHAN SHAHZAD [FACULTY MEMBER @ SUKKUR IBA UNIVERSITY]
TYPE “A” vs. TYPE “B” Personality

FARHAN SHAHZAD [FACULTY MEMBER @ SUKKUR IBA UNIVERSITY]

Type A & Type B Personality
Type A Personality
◦ Aggressively involved in a chronic, incessant struggle to achieve more in less time
◦ Impatient: always moving, walking, and eating rapidly
◦ Strive to think or do two or more things at once
◦ Cannot cope with leisure time
◦ Obsessed with achievement numbers

The Type B Personality generally lives at a lower stress level and are typically:
◦ They work steadily, enjoying achievements but not becoming stressed when they are not
achieved.
◦ When faced with competition, they do not mind losing and either enjoy the game or back
down.
◦ They may be creative and enjoy exploring ideas and concepts.
◦ They are often reflective, thinking about the outer and inner worlds.

FARHAN SHAHZAD [FACULTY MEMBER @ SUKKUR IBA UNIVERSITY]

Hostile Aggression (Type A Personality)
Hostile Aggression refers to violent attitudes or actions that
are associated with anger and a desire to dominate a
situation or others. Its displays itself in verbal, non-verbal
and physical ways and holds the intention of causing harm.

FARHAN SHAHZAD [FACULTY MEMBER @ SUKKUR IBA UNIVERSITY]

NARCISSIM, Ego-Threat, and Aggression
Narcissist “Excessive Self Love”

Inflated Self Image

FARHAN SHAHZAD [FACULTY MEMBER @ SUKKUR IBA UNIVERSITY]
Gender Differences in
Aggression
Male are more aggressive than female.
In absence of Provocation:
◦ Male are more likely to aggress than female.

Direct Aggression & Indirect Aggression:

◦ Men are engaged in direct aggression, whereas women involve in various form of direct
aggression.
 Direct (Physical Assault, Pushing, Throwing something, Shouting, Insulting remarks.
 Indirect Aggression: Aggressor conceal his or her identity from victim. (Spreading rumors,
gossiping behind back, making stories) Also find in children
Aggression may not be direct opposite (male or female may aggressive and
involve in pro social behavior.

FARHAN SHAHZAD [FACULTY MEMBER @ SUKKUR IBA UNIVERSITY]

 a l
uatiSituational Determinants of
on
t
Si
Aggression
The Heat of Anger: Temperature & Aggression
Using Drugs

FARHAN SHAHZAD [FACULTY MEMBER @ SUKKUR IBA UNIVERSITY]

Bullying:
Singling Out Others for Repeated Abuse
Bullying
A form of behavior in which one person repeatedly assaults
one or more others who have little or no power to retaliate.
It frequently occurs in Children and Teenagers and common
in schools, colleges and universities.
-- Workplaces and in Prisons also happen

FARHAN SHAHZAD [FACULTY MEMBER @ SUKKUR IBA UNIVERSITY]

 Why Do People Engage in Bullying?
Motive is to Hold the Power Over Others
• Desire to Exercise Power Over Others.

MALE
FEMALE

Motive to be part of “Tough” group

• Desire to be part of powerful group.

Feeling Depressed is another cause of bullying

• As per research, this motive found in females
Female burst out their
negative feelings
FARHAN SHAHZAD [FACULTY MEMBER @ SUKKUR IBA UNIVERSITY]
The Characteristics of Bullying and Victims
Many people who are bullies in one context
become victims in other situations and vice
versa.
Pure Bullies: People who are always & only bullies
Pure Victims: People who are always victims
Bully-victims: People who switch back and forth
between roles, depending on context.
FARHAN SHAHZAD [FACULTY MEMBER @ SUKKUR IBA UNIVERSITY]
 Bully-Victims
They are lower self esteem than others.
◦ As a result they aggress against others to build up their self
esteem.
And they adopt ruthless, manipulative approach to life and
dealing with people.
[Attack them when their guard is down]

[They believe aggression is best way to respond bullying, gain high respect]

FARHAN SHAHZAD [FACULTY MEMBER @ SUKKUR IBA UNIVERSITY]

Reducing the Occurrence of Bullying:
Some Positive Steps
The many cases in our society this bullying has lead people to harm
themselves and even do suicide.
What should be done to reduce it occurrence:
•Bullying must be seen serious to be a serious problem by all i.e
teachers, students, prisoner, guards, co workers, and supervisors etc
•If Bullying occur people in authority must draw attention to it and take
an unequivocal (clear) stand against it.
•Potential victims must be provided with direct means for dealing with
bullying. (Inform them what to do and who to report)
•Outside help is often useful in identifying the cause of bullying and
developing program to reduce it.
FARHAN SHAHZAD [FACULTY MEMBER @ SUKKUR IBA UNIVERSITY]
The Prevention and Control of
Aggression: Some Useful Techniques
Aggression is not inevitable form of behavior.
It can be prevented or reduced.

Punishment: Just Desserts or Deterrence ?

Procedure in which aversive consequences are delivered to
individuals when they engage in specific actions.
Large fines, prison or capital punishment (death penalty)

FARHAN SHAHZAD [FACULTY MEMBER @ SUKKUR IBA UNIVERSITY]

Why Do Societies Punish Aggressive Behaviors ?

1. There is widespread belief that individuals who engage in such

acts is viewed as inappropriate and deserve to be punished.
 Punishment should be matched to magnitude of harm they have caused
 Punishment should fit the crime.
2. Punishment will deter (discourage) person to engage in such
behaviors in future.
 Public Punishment vs. Private Punishment (Culture of Public Shame viewed
as negative
3. Removal of dangerous people from society (putting in prison)
 Placing away from victim for further danger

FARHAN SHAHZAD [FACULTY MEMBER @ SUKKUR IBA UNIVERSITY]

Does Punishment Work?
Punishment can reduce aggression, but only if meets four basic
requirements.
1. It must be prompt—It must follow aggressive action as quickly as
possible.
2. It must be certain to occur—the probability that it will follow
aggression must be very high.
3. It must be strong—strong enough to be highly unpleasant to
potential recipient.
4. It must be perceived by recipient as justified or deserved.
In some cases, punishment is viewed as aggression against them- as kind of provocation.

FARHAN SHAHZAD [FACULTY MEMBER @ SUKKUR IBA UNIVERSITY]

Self-Regulation: Internal
Mechanisms for Controlling
Aggression
Self control: Lot of cognitive efforts are required. [Self Regulate]
Control on emotions / Pro social thoughts / Strong Internal mechanism

FARHAN SHAHZAD [FACULTY MEMBER @ SUKKUR IBA UNIVERSITY]

Catharsis: Does “Blowing Off Steam” Really Help?
Catharsis Hypothesis: The view that providing angry people with an
opportunity to express their aggressive impulses in relatively safe ways will
reduce their tendencies to engage in more harmful forms of aggression.
[Emotional Release]
Vent their anger and hostility in non harmful ways.
For example:
If you are angry you might hit something or scream, and that might make
you feel better. [Yelling outside or Hitting a pillow ]
Listening songs with violent lyrics

FARHAN SHAHZAD [FACULTY MEMBER @ SUKKUR IBA UNIVERSITY]

Reducing Aggression by Bolstering Self Esteem
Boosting Self Esteem

FARHAN SHAHZAD [FACULTY MEMBER @ SUKKUR IBA UNIVERSITY]

Chapter Completed 

FARHAN SHAHZAD [FACULTY MEMBER @ SUKKUR IBA UNIVERSITY]