theory of aggression

• eros?

  motivates us to live, love and create new experiences, includes libido and leads to sexual behaviour
• thanatos?

  death instinct, drives us to an inorganic state and causes agressive behaviour
• id, ego, superego?


  eros and thanatos form first part of our personality:

  • id (0-2 years) no thought to consequences and unavoidable
  • ego forms at 2, understanding norms and rules so aggression is appropriate in certain situations. can now control using defense mechanisms
• catharsis?

  divert anger to:

  • watching violent sports, taking part in violent sports (sublimation)

  Megargee and Mendelsohn (70) looked at agg and personality link, brutally agg offenders interviewed and stated they repressed anger until it exploded.

  Verona and Sullivan (2008) people who react in agg ways to being frustrated in task had lower heart rate to those who had no reaction