Frustration-Aggression Hypothesis

• Dollard and Miller suggests that aggression is always caused by frustration

  This frustration happens whenever our goal directed behaviour is blocked
• Frustration

  ---> unpleasant emotion

  It builds up and causes mental tension. Aggressive acts relieves frustration through catharsis

  • This is the pleasant feeling after releasing a strong emotion
• Aggression can be displaces meaning if we can't release aggression at cause of our frustration then we are aggressive to a weaker target like a family member
• Factors that influence if aggression will happen:

  • Aggression us more likely if you are close to achieving your goal
  • Being aggressive is actually likely to remove the barrier to the goal

  If being aggressive actually helps them achieve their goals (rewards) and doesn't lead to negative responses (punishment) then they are more likely to be aggressive in future
• Strength of Frustration-Aggression Hypothesis

  Empirical support

  
  

  Geen - pps who were frustrated (e.g. being insulted or unable to complete a task) gave more intense electric shocks to another person than those who were not frustrated

  
  

  Shows frustration increases likelihood of aggression supporting ide that aggression is a cathartic response to when a goal is blocked

  
  

  Increases internal validity of explanation
• Weakness of Frustration-Aggression Hypothesis

  Doesn't account for individual differences

  Not everyone reacts to frustration with aggression some may

  • Move away from the situation
  • Become anxious
  • Use problem solving strategies

  Personality traits may influence whether someone becomes aggressive. Suggesting not frustration alone is enough

  Limits universality and applicability to everyone
• Weakness of Frustration-Aggression Hypothesis

  Reductionist

  
  

  Reduces complex behaviour of aggression down to a single cause being frustration. This overlooks other important influences like biological, social, cognitive factors

  
  

  Research into testosterone, brain structures (amygdala) and SLT (bandura) show aggression can be influenced by hormones, brain functions, observation

  
  

  Limits validity as a full explanation