AO1

• Dollard et al

  • states that aggression is caused by frustration. The greater the frustration, the greater the aggressive response
  • frustration occurs when a goal directed behaviour is blocked so we are prevented from doing something we want to do
  • This creates an aggressive drive, leading to aggressive behaviour ( e.g., violent fantasy, verbal outburst of physical violence)
• • This then leads to catharsis where the frustration is satisfied, thus reducing further aggression
  • catharsis is the process of releasing built up psychic energy.
  • If the aggression leads to punishment, there is frustration and the cycle continues
• Aggression may not always be expressed directly:

  1. cause may be abstract (e.g., economic situation, government, film industry)
  2. Cause may be too powerful and we may risk punishment (e.g., teacher or a parent)
  3. The cause may be unavailable at the time (maybe the teacher left the room)

  In this case, aggression is displaced onto an alternative that is not abstract, is weaker and available (e.g., pet or inanimate object like a chair)