key term - Frustration-aggression hypothesis

Definition

The frustration-aggression hypothesis posits that frustration, which occurs when an individual is blocked from achieving a goal, can lead to aggressive behavior. This theory suggests that the level of aggression is directly related to the degree of frustration experienced, implying that if someone feels thwarted in their attempts to reach a desired outcome, they may lash out in anger or aggression. This connection highlights how emotional responses to obstacles can manifest in harmful behaviors towards others or even oneself.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The frustration-aggression hypothesis was originally proposed by John Dollard and his colleagues in the 1930s and has been influential in understanding the causes of aggression.
2. Research shows that not all frustration leads to aggression; factors such as personality traits and social context can influence whether an individual will act aggressively.
3. Frustration can lead to aggression not only against the source of the frustration but also against innocent bystanders or objects, illustrating how displacement works in practice.
4. This hypothesis has been supported by various studies that demonstrate a clear correlation between the experience of frustration and aggressive responses.
5. Situations that increase feelings of helplessness or powerlessness tend to amplify aggressive reactions, highlighting the role of emotional states in the frustration-aggression relationship.

Review Questions

• How does the frustration-aggression hypothesis explain the relationship between blocked goals and aggressive behavior?
  • The frustration-aggression hypothesis explains that when individuals encounter obstacles preventing them from achieving their goals, it creates a state of frustration. This feeling can trigger aggressive responses as a way to cope with or express that frustration. The theory posits that the greater the level of frustration experienced, the more likely an individual is to react with aggression, indicating a direct link between these two emotional states.
• In what ways might individual differences affect the outcome of frustration according to the frustration-aggression hypothesis?
  • Individual differences such as personality traits, past experiences, and coping mechanisms can significantly affect how someone responds to frustration. For example, a person with high levels of impulsivity may be more likely to act aggressively when frustrated, while someone with better emotional regulation skills may find constructive ways to deal with their feelings. Understanding these differences helps clarify why not everyone reacts aggressively when faced with frustration.
• Evaluate how situational factors might influence aggressive behavior stemming from frustration in various contexts.
  • Situational factors such as social support, environmental stressors, and cultural norms play a crucial role in determining whether frustration leads to aggression. For instance, in a high-stress environment like a crowded subway where people feel trapped, minor frustrations can escalate into aggressive confrontations. Conversely, having supportive peers nearby may help individuals cope with frustrations without resorting to aggression. Analyzing these dynamics shows that aggression is not solely determined by internal states but is also heavily influenced by external circumstances.

Related terms

Aggression: Aggression refers to any behavior intended to harm another person, either physically or psychologically.

Frustration: Frustration is the feeling of being upset or annoyed as a result of being unable to change or achieve something.

Displacement: Displacement is a defense mechanism where individuals redirect their aggressive feelings towards a safer target rather than the source of their frustration.