THEORIES OF AGGRESSION

Aggression as a Biological Phenomenon

A. Instinct Theory

Aggression is innate.
Anger

builds up until we explode when appropriate stimulus signals its release.

Problems with Instinct Theory

Instinct

theory fails to account for variations in aggressiveness across individuals & cultures.
E.g., How does instinct theory account for peaceful Iroquois before white invaders & aggressive Iroquois afterwards.

B. Evolutionary Theory
Aggression

is adaptive. Aggressive behavior was a strategy for gaining resources, defending against attack, intimidating or eliminating male rivals for females.

C. Neural Influences
Stimulating

the amygdala in cats causes a fearful or anger response to occur (piloerection). E.g. A woman receiving painless stimulation to her amygdala became enraged and smashed her guitar against the wall.

Are violent peoples brains different from normal people?

Yes. Raine et al., (2000) found that the prefrontal cortex (which inhibits aggressive behavior), was 14% less active than normal in nonabused murderers &15% smaller in antisocial males. This does not mean brain anomaly caused violent behavior (could be the other way around), but could be a factor.

D. Genetic influences

Is aggression genetic?
Possibly.

We can breed animals for aggressiveness (pit bulls, roosters). Our temperament in infancy predicts whether we will be aggressive in adulthood (Larsen & Deiner, 1987). Twin studies support this.
E.g.

Convicted criminals who are twins, fully half of their identical twins (but only one in five fraternal twins) also have criminal records (Raine, 1993, 2008)

E. Biochemical Influences

i. Alcohol

Individuals prone to violence are more likely to drink & become violent while drunk.

in 10 violent crimes committed by people whove been drinking.

Surveys of rapists--over half report they were drinking before committing the rape.

Alcohol

enhances aggressiveness by reducing peoples self-awareness, by focusing their attention on a provocation. Alcohol disinhibits.

Biochemical Influences

ii. Hormones

TESTOSTERONE
Lowering

testosterone levels reduces aggressiveness, while raising it, increases aggression (Roid rage.) Prisoners who had committed unprovoked violent crimes had higher levels of testosterone than those who had committed nonviolent crimes. Teens with higher levels of testosterone were more prone to delinquency, hard drug use, & provocations.

Biochemical Influences

iii. SEROTONIN
Lower

levels of serotonin are found in kids & adults prone to violence. Lowering serotonin levels in the lab increases their response to aversive events and willingness to deliver supposed electric shocks.

Biology and Behavior Interacts

It is important to remember that the traffic between testosterone, serotonin, and behavior flows both ways.
Testosterone,

for example, may facilitate dominance and aggressiveness, but dominating or defeating behavior also boosts testosterone levels (Mazur & Booth, 1998)

Aggression as a Response to Frustration

Frustration-Aggression theory:

Frustration
anything

that blocks our attaining a goal. Frustration grows when our motivation to achieve a goal is very strong, when we expect gratification, and when the blocking is complete (irreversible).

Argues that aggression occurs when we desire obtaining a goal, expect to be gratified, & then are blocked from doing so.

Violent behavior erupts from this frustration. Often is directed to a target other than source of aggression (displacement).
Displacement

The redirection of aggression other than the source of the frustration. Generally, the new target is a safer or more socially acceptable target.

Its not acceptable to yell at the boss, so we kick the dog, yell at spouse, etc.

Is this theory valid?

Data on theory are mixed (sometimes frustration increased aggressiveness, sometimes not).
If frustration is justifiable, but situation is such that person didnt intentionally cause it (car broken down on road), then it doesnt lead to aggression.

New definition of Frustration-Aggression theory

Berkowitz (1978; 1989) theorized that frustration produces anger, an emotional readiness to aggress.

We become angry when someone frustrates us who could have chosen to act otherwise. Aggression is likely when our bottled-up anger is released (often, but not always to a cue).

Does deprivation lead to frustration & aggression?

No.

People who are sexually frustrated may not be sexually deprived or celibate. People who have good jobs with good pay may be frustrated with other areas of life. Violent crime was not high during the Great Depression when everyone was deprived.

Frustration seems to be linked to high expectations that are not always met. You can have frustration without deprivation. Relative Deprivation

-the perception that one is less well-off than others with whom one compares oneself.

Aggression as a learned Social Behavior

Is Aggression learned?

Yes.
Through

conditioning & modeling.

We learn rewards of aggression:

we

can intimidate others with force may help us achieve goals

Influences:
Family Culture

Are people rewarded for acting aggressively? Does this promote aggression?

Yes!!!!! Banduras Bobo doll studies show this.

Bandura had children watch whether an adult hitting & kicking a bobo doll was either punished or not for his actions.
Children were then led individually into a room with toys & a bobo doll.

Bandura Bobo-doll study

Children who saw the adult receiving punishment for hitting the Bobo doll were less likely to hit the Bobo doll themselves.

The opposite was found for children seeing the adult go unpunished for his actions.