The Causes of Aggression :: The Frustration-Aggression Model

Aggression is difficult to define, it is a complex phenomenon, and depending upon the linguistic context the term tramp be made to carry either unconditional or negative connotations, it can be attacking behavior that whitethorn be both self-protective and self-assertive or to the infliction of injury toward oneself or toward others, to the total destruction of others. Is assertiveness biologically determined or the ware of learning and environmental influences? This essay, will consider mindive supposition, the frustration - aggression hypothesis, and social learning theory. It should then be possible to draw a conclusion to see if any or all of the theories discussed are the induct of aggression. Brain disorders, hormonal and chemical imbalances, environmental factors, such as heat, noise, standard atmosphere pollution and all overcrowding, although contribute to the causes of aggression will not be discussed during the execute of this essay. No universally adopted defin ition of aggression exists, for the purpose of this tidings the definition of Gross will be used. Gross defines aggression as - The intentional infliction of about form of harm on others (Gross rogue 444) Freud proposed that aggression is an instinctive biological urge. According to Freud this instinct, is made up of the libido (pleasure) and death wish (the death wish) (pain). This basic instinct is present in the Id from birth, at stolon the aggression is relatively uncontrolled, but with the development of the Ego and superego it becomes channeled into socially unexceptionable behavior If these desires are not released periodically in safe ways, they concisely reach dangerous levels capable of producing acts of madness. Sometimes it is released in the form of corporal or verbal abuse against another, (where the anger is displaced onto another). Sometimes the aggressive impulse is turned inward and produces self - punishment action, even suicide. The best that can be hop ed for, according to Freud, is that aggressive impulses will be channeled into socially bankable forms. such as football, sport etc. (Bernstein et al page 715). However, this theory does not explain why some people are aggressive and others are not, and if aggression is dissipated into sport, why is there football violence and violence at other sporting events? Lorenz, like Freud believed that aggressive push builds up in the individual, and eventually has to be discharged in some way. Lorenzs states that aggression is the fighting instinct in man, and that man is naturally aggressive. This instinct developed during the course of evolution because it yielded many benefits, for example, fighting serves to disperse populations over a wide area, ensuring maximum use of resources.