20 - Aggression and Social Dominance

Question 1

Defining aggressive behavior

Answer 1

Can be physical/descriptive. More commonly, however, require intention on behalf of the aggressor or at least perceived intention on behalf of recipient.

Question 2

Proactive aggression

Answer 2

Instrumental/Goal oriented - to get something, or to exert dominance

Question 3

Reactive aggression

Answer 3

Hostile aggression. In response to threat, attack, frustration. Anger. Hitting when they have been insulted

Question 4

4 forms of aggression

Answer 4

Physical, verbal, social (eye rolling, etc), relational (excluding, sabotaging)

Question 5

Direct vs indirect aggression

Answer 5

Direct is aimed immediately at an individual. Indirect is aimed at something/someone close to individual, or through a 3rd party

Question 6

Is aggression maladaptive?

Answer 6

Nope. Can aid and promote social learning in terms of conflict res, empathy, ToM, social competence. In mid childhood can increase social dominance

Question 7

Development of aggressive behavior

Answer 7

As get older, relational aggression increases. Violent behavior higher for boys. Individual differences in hormone levels important in determining aggression. Aggressive children associate with other aggressive. However, decline in physical aggression through early and middle childhood. Children learn coping strategies. Also move aggression from proactive to reactive

Question 8

Gender differences in aggression

Answer 8

By toddler ages, boys more likely to be aggressive than girls in all cultures. Boys: non-physical antisocial behavior, violation of norms. Girls: relational aggression more than other forms, but same frequency as boys. Disapprove of aggression.

Question 9

Relational aggression

Answer 9

Girls use because they value relationships more than boys. Early-mid adolescence boys prefer girls with higher relational. Considered as hurtful as physical aggression. High levels of RA associated with depression, risk-taking, delinquency

Question 10

Stability of aggression

Answer 10

Stable in development - 1st grade aggressive children likely to be aggressive in 12th. However, not all children who start out as highly aggressive stay that way. Maintained high aggression leads to higher risk of maintaining and developing antisocial behaviors later in life

Question 11

Prenatal aggression factors

Answer 11

Maternal smoking during pregnancy is associated with negative outcomes…unsure if it is smoking itself or other maternally related variables. Genetics (MZ v DZ twin studies, 50% for phys aggr), brain dev, hormones (testosterone, estradiol), temperament. Low levels of CNS serotonin. Gene-environment interactions (MAOA)

Question 12

Temperament associated with aggression

Answer 12

1 yo - difficult, irregular, irritable. 3 yo - non-compliant, overactive, ill-tempered

Question 13

Social influences on aggression

Answer 13

Family, peers, neighborhood, culture, media.

Question 14

Parenting styles

Answer 14

Some parenting styles (negative/controlling) associated with aggression. Disorganized attachment. Difficulties regulating emotions. Punitive harsh discipline. Esp bad if relationship lacks warmth, or if physical disc not the norm in the community. Parenting skills that lessen aggression - control coerciveness, vigilance, monitoring

Question 15

Peers and aggressive behavior

Answer 15

Peer rejection of aggressive children leads to further issues. Aggressive high-status peers affect lower status. Peer pressure, modeling.