scoresvideos
Social Psychology
Table of Contents
Unit 12 Overview: Aggression and Antisocial Behavior
12.1 Theories of Aggression
12.2 Factors Influencing Aggressive Behavior
12.3 Media Violence and Its Effects
12.4 Reducing Aggression and Violence

🎠social psychology review

12.2 Factors Influencing Aggressive Behavior

Citation:

Aggression is a complex behavior influenced by various factors. This section explores the individual, social, and situational elements that contribute to aggressive tendencies. Understanding these influences is crucial for predicting and preventing harmful actions in different contexts.

From personal traits to cultural norms, many factors shape aggressive behavior. This topic delves into how genetics, gender, alcohol, media exposure, and environmental conditions can trigger or amplify aggression. It also examines the role of provocation and group dynamics in fostering violent responses.

Individual Factors Influencing Aggression

Personal Characteristics and Aggression

  • Personality traits significantly influence aggressive behavior
    • Individuals high in trait aggressiveness more likely to respond aggressively
    • Low self-esteem often associated with increased aggression
  • Genetic factors play a role in predisposition to aggressive behavior
    • Twin studies reveal heritability of aggressive tendencies
    • Specific genes (MAOA gene) linked to increased risk of aggressive behavior
  • Neurological factors contribute to aggressive tendencies
    • Abnormalities in prefrontal cortex associated with impaired impulse control
    • Imbalances in neurotransmitters (serotonin) linked to increased aggression
  • Cognitive factors shape aggressive responses
    • Hostile attribution bias leads to misinterpretation of neutral situations as threatening
    • Poor problem-solving skills increase likelihood of aggressive reactions

Gender Differences in Aggressive Behavior

  • Males generally exhibit higher levels of physical aggression than females
    • Biological factors (testosterone levels) contribute to this difference
    • Social learning and gender roles reinforce aggressive behavior in males
  • Females more likely to engage in relational or indirect aggression
    • Includes behaviors like social exclusion and gossip
    • May be influenced by societal expectations and norms
  • Gender differences in aggression vary across cultures and contexts
    • Gap in physical aggression narrows in certain competitive situations
    • Some cultures show smaller gender differences in aggressive behavior
  • Developmental changes in gender-related aggression occur throughout lifespan
    • Differences become more pronounced during adolescence
    • Tend to decrease in adulthood, with some exceptions

Alcohol Consumption and Aggressive Behavior

  • Alcohol consumption associated with increased aggressive behavior
    • Impairs cognitive functioning and decision-making abilities
    • Reduces inhibitions and self-control
  • Alcohol myopia theory explains link between alcohol and aggression
    • Intoxication narrows attention to most salient cues in environment
    • May lead to overemphasis on provocative stimuli
  • Individual differences moderate alcohol-aggression relationship
    • Trait aggressiveness amplifies alcohol's effect on aggressive behavior
    • Expectancies about alcohol's effects influence aggressive responses
  • Contextual factors interact with alcohol consumption to influence aggression
    • Social settings (bars, parties) may increase likelihood of aggressive incidents
    • Cultural norms regarding alcohol use affect its impact on aggression

Social and Cultural Factors Influencing Aggression

Social Learning and Modeling of Aggressive Behavior

  • Observational learning plays crucial role in acquisition of aggressive behaviors
    • Children learn aggressive responses by watching parents, peers, and media
    • Bobo doll experiments demonstrate imitation of aggressive models
  • Media violence exposure linked to increased aggressive behavior
    • Violent video games, movies, and TV shows can desensitize individuals to violence
    • Long-term exposure associated with more aggressive thoughts and behaviors
  • Peer influences shape aggressive tendencies
    • Association with aggressive peers increases likelihood of aggressive behavior
    • Gang membership often leads to escalation of violent acts
  • Family dynamics contribute to development of aggressive patterns
    • Harsh parenting styles associated with increased aggression in children
    • Witnessing domestic violence increases risk of future aggressive behavior

Cultural Norms and Aggression

  • Cultural values and beliefs shape attitudes towards aggression
    • Some cultures emphasize honor and retaliation, leading to higher aggression
    • Others prioritize harmony and conflict avoidance, reducing aggressive behavior
  • Subcultures of violence exist within larger societies
    • Certain groups may normalize aggressive responses to perceived slights
    • Can lead to cycles of retaliatory violence
  • Cultural differences in expression of aggression
    • Some cultures more accepting of verbal aggression but less tolerant of physical violence
    • Others may have stricter norms against all forms of aggression
  • Acculturation processes influence aggressive behavior
    • Immigrants may experience shifts in aggressive tendencies as they adapt to new cultural norms
    • Clash between home and host culture values can lead to increased aggression in some cases

Deindividuation and Group-Based Aggression

  • Deindividuation reduces self-awareness and personal accountability
    • Occurs in large crowds or when individuals feel anonymous
    • Can lead to increased likelihood of aggressive or antisocial behavior
  • Factors contributing to deindividuation
    • Anonymity (masks, uniforms) decreases individual identifiability
    • Arousal and excitement in group settings reduce self-control
  • Group polarization can escalate aggressive tendencies
    • Discussion among like-minded individuals often leads to more extreme views
    • Can result in increased support for aggressive actions
  • Social identity theory explains intergroup aggression
    • Strong in-group identification can lead to out-group derogation
    • May result in collective aggression against perceived rival groups

Situational Triggers of Aggression

Environmental Factors and Aggressive Behavior

  • Physical environment significantly influences aggressive tendencies
    • Crowding and lack of personal space associated with increased aggression
    • Noise pollution linked to higher levels of irritability and aggressive responses
  • Presence of weapons can increase likelihood of aggressive behavior
    • Weapons effect demonstrates how mere presence of weapons primes aggressive thoughts
    • Accessibility of weapons in environment can escalate conflicts
  • Air pollution associated with higher rates of violent crime
    • Particulate matter and other pollutants linked to increased aggression
    • May be due to physiological effects or increased irritability
  • Natural disasters and extreme events can trigger aggressive behavior
    • Resource scarcity and social disruption following disasters may lead to increased violence
    • Stress and trauma from such events can exacerbate aggressive tendencies

Temperature and Aggression

  • Heat hypothesis suggests higher temperatures lead to increased aggression
    • Supported by correlations between hot weather and violent crime rates
    • Laboratory studies show higher aggression in hot conditions
  • Mechanisms linking heat to aggression
    • Physiological discomfort increases irritability and negative affect
    • Heat-induced arousal may be misattributed as anger in ambiguous situations
  • Seasonal patterns in aggressive behavior observed
    • Violent crime rates tend to peak during summer months in many regions
    • Effect moderated by cultural and environmental factors
  • Climate change implications for aggression
    • Rising global temperatures may lead to increased interpersonal and intergroup conflicts
    • Economic and social disruptions from climate change could exacerbate aggressive tendencies

Provocation and Retaliatory Aggression

  • Direct provocation strong predictor of aggressive responses
    • Insults, physical attacks, or perceived threats often trigger retaliation
    • Severity of provocation generally proportional to aggressive response
  • Frustration-aggression hypothesis explains link between blocked goals and aggression
    • Interference with goal-directed behavior can lead to aggressive outbursts
    • Unexpected or unfair obstacles more likely to provoke aggression
  • Social rejection and ostracism potent triggers for aggression
    • Threats to belongingness needs can lead to aggressive behavior
    • Cyberball paradigm demonstrates aggressive responses to social exclusion
  • Perceived injustice and relative deprivation fuel aggressive tendencies
    • Unfair treatment or comparisons with others can lead to retaliatory aggression
    • Collective perceptions of injustice can spark large-scale aggressive movements

Key Terms to Review (17)

Experiments: Experiments are systematic and controlled methods of investigation that allow researchers to establish cause-and-effect relationships by manipulating variables. In social psychology, experiments are crucial for understanding how specific factors influence behaviors and perceptions, as they can isolate the effects of one variable while controlling others. This approach provides a structured way to test hypotheses and can reveal insights into social phenomena, such as how people form first impressions or engage in prosocial behaviors.
Surveys: Surveys are research methods used to collect data from a group of individuals, often through questionnaires or interviews, aimed at understanding opinions, behaviors, or characteristics of a population. They provide insights into attitudes and perceptions that can influence self-presentation, person perception, persuasion, and social behaviors in groups.
Desensitization to violence: Desensitization to violence is a psychological process in which individuals become less sensitive or responsive to violent stimuli due to repeated exposure. This process can diminish emotional reactions and empathy towards violence, leading to an increased acceptance or normalization of aggressive behaviors in society. Over time, individuals may not only become less affected by real-life violence but may also view it as less serious or significant.
Media violence effect: The media violence effect refers to the tendency for exposure to violent media content, such as films, video games, and television shows, to increase aggressive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in individuals. This effect is linked to the idea that repeated exposure can desensitize viewers to violence, shaping their perceptions of reality and potentially leading to an increase in aggressive actions in real life.
Intergroup Conflict Theory: Intergroup Conflict Theory explains how conflicts arise between different groups due to perceived threats, competition for resources, or differing values. This theory highlights how group identity can intensify rivalries and aggression, leading to negative interactions that impact social dynamics and individual behavior within and between groups.
Reactive aggression: Reactive aggression is a type of aggressive behavior that occurs in response to a perceived threat, provocation, or frustration. This form of aggression is often impulsive and emotional, driven by an immediate reaction to a specific stimulus rather than premeditated intent. It usually arises from feelings of anger or frustration and can manifest as physical or verbal outbursts.
Desensitization: Desensitization is the process by which individuals become less responsive to emotional stimuli after repeated exposure, particularly in contexts involving violence or aggression. This diminished sensitivity can lead to an increase in aggressive behavior, as people may view violent acts as more acceptable or less shocking over time. Essentially, repeated exposure to aggression can numb emotional responses, resulting in a higher tolerance for violence.
Proactive aggression: Proactive aggression refers to a form of aggression that is planned and calculated, often aimed at achieving a specific goal or gaining a desired outcome. This type of aggression is typically characterized by a cold and instrumental approach, where the aggressor uses aggressive behaviors as a means to an end rather than as a reaction to provocation or frustration. Understanding proactive aggression helps in recognizing how various factors can influence aggressive behavior, including social learning, environmental triggers, and individual personality traits.
Heat: Heat refers to the physical sensation or environmental condition characterized by high temperature, which can influence human behavior, particularly aggression. In the context of aggressive behavior, heat can create a stressful environment that may lead to heightened emotional responses and increased likelihood of aggressive actions. The association between heat and aggression is supported by research showing that higher temperatures can lead to irritability, discomfort, and an escalation in aggressive acts.
Cognitive Appraisal: Cognitive appraisal is the mental process by which individuals evaluate and interpret a situation to determine its significance and impact on their well-being. This process helps people assess whether an event is a threat or a challenge, influencing their emotional responses and behaviors. Understanding cognitive appraisal is crucial in exploring how different factors shape aggressive behavior, as individuals may react differently based on their personal evaluations of the same situation.
Leonard Berkowitz: Leonard Berkowitz is a prominent social psychologist known for his extensive research on aggression and its underlying factors. His work has significantly contributed to the understanding of how situational and environmental influences, such as frustration and exposure to violent media, can lead to aggressive behavior in individuals. He emphasized the role of cognitive processes and social learning in shaping aggressive responses, highlighting the complexities of human behavior in various contexts.
Provocation: Provocation refers to an action or event that stimulates a strong emotional response, often leading to aggressive behavior. In the context of social psychology, provocation is a significant factor in understanding why individuals may resort to aggression when they perceive a threat or challenge to their well-being. This can be linked to both theoretical frameworks of aggression and various influencing factors, highlighting the complex interplay between stimuli and individual responses.
General Aggression Model: The General Aggression Model (GAM) is a comprehensive framework that explains how various factors contribute to aggressive behavior. It integrates cognitive, affective, and situational elements, emphasizing how personal characteristics and external circumstances interact to influence aggression. This model highlights the importance of both immediate and long-term influences on aggressive actions, making it essential for understanding the dynamics of aggression.
Frustration-aggression hypothesis: 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.
Emotional Regulation: Emotional regulation refers to the processes by which individuals influence their emotions, how they experience them, and how they express them. It involves managing one's emotional responses to various situations, which can significantly affect interpersonal relationships and social interactions. Understanding these processes is essential as they relate to various theories of behavior and can influence aggressive behavior in social contexts.
Albert Bandura: Albert Bandura is a renowned psychologist known for his contributions to social learning theory, which emphasizes the role of observational learning, imitation, and modeling in behavior development. His work connects to various areas of psychology by exploring how individuals learn and adapt through the influence of others, shaping perspectives on personality, aggression, attitudes, and health-related behaviors.
Social Learning Theory: Social learning theory posits that people learn behaviors, attitudes, and emotional reactions through the observation of others, rather than through direct experience alone. This theory emphasizes the role of modeling, imitation, and reinforcement in learning, making it essential for understanding how social influences shape individual behavior and attitudes.