Aggression

• Aggression

  Aggression is any form of behaviour directed toward the goal of harming or injuring another living being who is motivated to avoid such treatment
• Aggression is intent to harm or injure outside the rules of the event.
• Assertion is forceful behaviour within the laws of the event.
• Theories of aggression

  • Instinct theory
  • Frustration - aggression hypothesis (int)
  • Social learning theory
  • Aggressive cue hypothesis (int)
• Instinct theory of aggression

  • Views aggression as being a natural response, innate and instinctive
  • Suggests humans developed aggression as survival instinct
  • Humans generate aggressive energy which needs to be released
  • Eg - boxers channel their aggression to win a boxing match
• Instinct theory of aggression Evaluation

  • Not all humans are aggressive
  • Many humans can control their aggressive tendencies
• Social learning theory of aggression

  • By observing others who are aggressive we learn to copy their behaviour.
  • Imitation is more likely if aggression is shown by significant others/ role models.
  • Reinforcement of aggressive behaviour will increase chance of Imitation.
  • Eg - a player sees teammate fouling an opponent and this stops the opponent from playing well, it is reinforced and copied
• Social learning theory of aggression Evaluation

  • At times we do not copy those that model behaviour - which opposes social learning view
  • Strong sense of independence can lead too role models behaviour being ignored
• Frustration- aggression hypothesis (Interactionist)

  • Frustrating circumstances or blocked goals increase drive and frustration, thus increasing aggression
  • Frustration is caused by poor personal performance or perceived unfairness.
  • Aggression helps achieve catharsis which is a release of frustration if the aggressive act is successful.
  • If the aggressive act is unsuccessful this can lead to further aggression and punishment.
  • Eg - a hockey player is fouled and then becomes frustrated , this frustration is channelled and they become determined to score, they later score in the game and feel a sense of catharsis
• Frustration - aggression hypothesis evaluation

  • Not everyone behaves like this in frustrating circumstances
  • Aggression is not satisfying to everyone
• Aggressive cue hypothesis ( interactionist )

  • Cues / stimuli from the environment trigger aggression (eg- crowd)
  • Stimuli are subconsciously linked to aggression
  • Frustration creates a readiness for aggression
  • Eg - A player sees a colleague fouled and decides to join in
• Aggressive cue hypothesis evaluation

  • The same cues can elicit different responses at different times from the same person
  • The same cue can elicit different responses for different people
• Performers approach

  • Importance of a competition such as a cup final, can raise arousal and aggression can become a side effect.
  • Many performers have a strong desire to win or be successful, BUT most can control their desire and their aggression.
  • Some coaches train their performers to be aggressive.
• Social & cultural exp for violence

  • Violent crime in society is learned by its citizens.  
  • However, society does not accept violence and laws protect its citizens.
  • Society accepts that some violence is expected in sport and is often evident in ice hockey, rugby and football.  
  • However punishments remain for violent acts in these sports.
• Social & Cultural expl for violence

  • Society encourages success and sport has become a highly-pressurised business. 
  • This suggests aggression is more likely through competition.
  • Society also demands sport is a spectacle and therefore some violence is permitted or encouraged.  Eg. Boxing