10: Aggression
- Page ID
- 257614
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)- 10.2: Defining Aggression
- Aggression is defined as intentional behavior aimed at harming others who wish to avoid such harm. It includes both emotional aggression, driven by impulsive feelings, and instrumental aggression, which is calculated and goal-oriented. Aggression can be physical, verbal, or relational, such as gossip or exclusion. Social psychologists distinguish aggression from violence, which involves extreme physical harm.
- 10.3: The Biological and Emotional Causes of Aggression
- Aggression has biological and emotional roots. Evolutionarily, it can aid survival by protecting resources or status. Brain structures like the amygdala trigger aggression, while the prefrontal cortex helps regulate it. Hormones such as testosterone increase aggression, while serotonin inhibits it. Genetic predispositions interact with environmental factors, like childhood maltreatment, to influence aggressive behavior. Emotional arousal, especially fear or threat, can also heighten aggression.
- 10.4: The Violence Around Us- How the Social Situation Influences Aggression
- Aggression is shaped by social environments. People learn aggressive behavior through observation and reinforcement, especially when violence is rewarded or modeled by others. Media violence, including TV and video games, increases aggression by altering attitudes and normalizing hostility. Punishment is less effective than positive reinforcement in reducing aggression. Social cues, family dynamics, and cultural exposure all influence how individuals perceive and express aggression.
- 10.5: Personal and Cultural Influences on Aggression
- Aggression is shaped by personal traits and cultural norms. Individuals with high self-concern, unstable self-esteem, or a tendency to perceive threats are more prone to aggression. Gender differences exist—men often display more physical aggression, while women use relational forms. Cultural values influence aggression’s acceptability, with some societies promoting honor-based violence. Social learning and reinforcement also play key roles in how aggression is expressed and maintained.
- 10.6: Thinking Like a Social Psychologist About Aggression
- Aggression, though harmful to others, often stems from threats to the self. Social psychologists view it as a product of both personality and environment. Understanding its roots—like low self-esteem, emotional distress, or exposure to violence—can help us reduce it. Awareness empowers us to respond calmly and foster more peaceful interactions.
- 10.7: Chapter Summary
- Aggression is intentional behavior aimed at harming others, shaped by emotional, biological, and social factors. It can be impulsive or planned, physical or nonphysical. Influences include brain structures, hormones, frustration, and media exposure. Social learning, cultural norms, and reinforcement also play roles. Understanding these factors helps reduce aggression and promote healthier responses.