Term
Definition of Aggression
What is the definition of aggression?
Answer
Definition
Behaviour intended to cause harm or injury to another person, physically or psychologically.
This study guide is organized to cover definitions, underlying causes (Biological, Individual, Social), and practical applications for modifying aggressive behavior.
Understanding aggression requires precise definitions of the behaviors and underlying mechanisms.
Neurochemical Regulation: Low serotonin levels are linked to impulsive aggression, as serotonin helps inhibit aggressive impulses. Elevated levels of testosterone have also been correlated with increased aggression.
Assessing the strength and limitations of the different approaches shows that no single explanation is complete.
Comparing the benefits and limitations of various intervention methods.
| Method | Focus | Benefit | Ethical Issue | Speed | Cost | Side Effects | Relapse |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medication | Neurochem | Rapid reduction | Autonomy | Fast | Low | Yes | High |
| CBT | Cognitive | Long-term change | Stigma | Slow | High | No | Low |
| Social Progs | Contextual | Shift group norms | Labelling | Slow | Med | No | Med |
What is the definition of aggression?
Behaviour intended to cause harm or injury to another person, physically or psychologically.
What are the main types of aggression?
Physical, verbal, and relational aggression.
How does aggression differ from anger or frustration?
Aggression is intentional and directed at hurting someone else, while anger is a feeling.
What are proactive and reactive aggression?
Proactive is planned and goal-directed; reactive is impulsive and in response to provocation.
Which brain structure is heavily linked to aggression?
The amygdala.
What role does the prefrontal cortex play in aggression?
It regulates impulse control and decision-making; underactivity can increase aggression.
How is genetics related to aggression?
Aggression has moderate heritability; identical twins show more similarity in aggressive traits.
What gene is associated with aggressive tendencies?
The MAOA gene.
How do serotonin and testosterone influence aggression?
Low serotonin is linked to impulsive aggression; high testosterone is linked to dominant and competitive behaviors.
What personality traits predispose individuals to aggression?
High trait aggressiveness, low agreeableness, and high neuroticism.
Explain the Frustration-Aggression Hypothesis.
Aggression occurs when a person's goals are blocked, leading to frustration, triggering aggression.
How does Social Learning Theory explain aggression?
People learn aggression by observing and imitating aggressive models, especially if reinforced.
What is hostile attribution bias?
The tendency to interpret others’ ambiguous behaviour as hostile, provoking aggression.
What is Deindividuation Theory?
In groups, people lose self-awareness and feel less accountable, increasing aggression.
How do social norms influence aggression?
Aggression is more likely in groups where it is accepted or rewarded.
What is the Cognitive Neoassociation Model?
Aversive stimuli cause negative emotions that increase aggression based on environmental cues.
Name a cultural factor that influences aggression.
Honor cultures promote aggressive responses to conflict.
What types of aggression modification methods are based on biological explanations?
Medication targeting serotonin or hormones, sometimes psychosurgery.
How does Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) reduce aggression?
By teaching recognition of triggers, challenging hostile biases, and developing coping skills.
What social interventions help reduce aggression?
Anti-bullying programs, improving social skills, and restorative justice.
What are ethical concerns regarding biological intervention in aggression?
Side effects and personal autonomy.