Topic 11__Aggression_SV.pptx

Aggression Chapter 11 Overview of Topics Aggression Defined Types of Aggression Causes of Aggression o Physiological o Situational Media Violence How to Decrease Aggression Aggression Aggression: o Intentional behaviour aimed at causing either physical or psychological pain Examples of...

Aggression Chapter 11 Overview of Topics Aggression Defined Types of Aggression Causes of Aggression o Physiological o Situational Media Violence How to Decrease Aggression Aggression Aggression: o Intentional behaviour aimed at causing either physical or psychological pain Examples of Aggression: o o o o o o o Public attacks Intimate partner violence Fights Bullying Animal cruelty Verbal aggression Intimidation Two Types of Aggression Hostile Aggression: o An act of aggression stemming from feelings of anger and aimed at inflicting pain or injury Instrumental Aggression: o Aggression as a means to some goal other than causing pain Causes of Aggression Evolutionary Approach o Aggression is adaptive o Men are more aggressive than women o Two reasons: dominance and paternity • Women aggress to protect offspring • These are limited explanations o Evidence from animals and humans suggests aggression is hardwired Culture and Aggression o Generally non-violent groups (few, but they exist) • Situational variables may play a role o Cultures of Honour Causes of Aggression Gender and Aggression o Men tend to be more physically aggressive than women o Women tend to be more relationally aggressive • Gossip, rumors, social exclusion • Verbal aggression (mixed findings) o Testosterone • Plays a role; some effects are weak: metaanalytically supported (Brook et al., 2001) Causes of Aggression Social Learning Theory: o The theory that we learn social behaviour, such as aggression, by observing others and imitating them o We learn to behave from models Bandura et al. (1961) o Children observed adult model • Played calmly (control) • Aggressively beat a bobo doll o Provoked children, then observed o Children in aggressive model condition behaved more aggressively (vs. control) Physiological and Chemical Influences on Aggression Alcohol o More aggression o Violent crimes o Family/spousal violence Drugs o Stimulants (cocaine, amphetamines) o Steroids Pain and Discomfort o Physical pain o Heat Brain o Serotonin & Dopamine o PFC deficiencies Situational and Social Causes of Aggression: Frustration Frustration-Aggression Theory: o The theory that frustration – the perception that you are being prevented from obtaining a goal – will increase the probability of an aggressive response. Frustration can be increased by: o Closeness to goal o Unexpectedness o Contextual factors Relative Deprivation: o The perception that you have less than you deserve, less than what you have been led to expect, or less than what people similar to you have Situational and Social Causes of Aggression: Other Factors Provocation and Reciprocation Social Exclusion o Linked to shootings and other harmful acts Weapons as aggressive cues o Weapons effect Relationships: Intimate Partner Violence o Men may more often be victims o Women may be victims of more severe violence o Women may suffer more Media Violence and Aggression Violence in media is prevalent o o o o TV and Movies Video Games Sports Pornography Can lead to desensitization and dehumanization How to Decrease Aggression Punishment? o Might work in the short-term, but may be worse in the long term o Consistency and certainty Catharsis: o The notion that “blowing off steam” – by performing an aggressive act, watching others engage in aggressive behaviour, or engaging in a fantasy of aggression—relieves bult-up aggressive energies and hence reduces the likelihood of further aggressive behaviour o Expressing, watching, or thinking about aggression tends to increase aggression and negative feelings o Expressing aggression may create a pattern of aggression o Blaming the Victim of our aggression • Cognitive Dissonance: A negative spiral How to Decrease Aggression Communication and Problem Solving Apology Modelling of Nonaggressive Behaviour Building Empathy Implementation intentions The End