3.7. Aggression

Question 1

What is aggression

Answer 1

behaviour that is uncontrolled with the intention to cause harm, usually outside the rules of the game

Question 2

what is assertion

Answer 2

behaviour that is controlled, it is intended but non-violent, and withing the rules of the game

Question 3

assertive behaviour

Answer 3

• high intensity & determined
• no intent to injure / intimidate
• often encouraged in competitive sport
• doesn’t violate rules
• also called ‘channelled aggression’

eg. a rugby player making a legal, strong tackling to stop an opponent scoring
eg. a basketball player driving aggressively to the basket

Question 4

hostile aggression

Answer 4

• behaviour where primary intention is to harm / injure another person, often due to anger / frustration
• emotional & impulsive / uncontrolled
• often after provocation from opponent, fans, officials, coach
• intention is to cause pain / retaliation
• usually results in penalties / sanctions
• also called ‘reactive aggression’

eg. a footballer punching an opponent after being fouled
eg. a basketball player elbowing an opponent during a stoppage of play

Question 5

instrumental aggression

Answer 5

• intentional rule-breaking behaviour used as a means to achieve a non-aggressive goal (eg winning)
• not driven by anger but instead determination
• aggression is used as a tool to achieve success
• often planned or tactical
• harm is caused secondary to the main objective

eg. a defender deliberately fouling an attacker to stop a goal scoring opportunity
eg. a basketball player intentionally fouling to stop the clock

Question 6

causes/factors/antecedents leading to aggression

Answer 6

• hostile crowds
• frustration from previous poor performance, opposition, referee decisions (NAch is blocked)
• venue (away team, fans)
• extrinsic rewards
• high arousal levels, pressure
• team (derby, rivals, aggressive)
• occasion (cup final, derby day)
• previously developed grudge, revenge
• nature of the game (team/individual, contact/non-contact)
• punishment (too lenient, little, not harsh, inconsistent)
• poor role model behaviour
• ‘win at all costs’ mentality
• managerial influence
• too much emphasis on outcome goals

Question 7

what are the 5 theories of aggression

Answer 7

• instinct / trait perspective
• social learning / observational learning
• frustration-aggression
• aggression-cue
• displacement

Question 8

instinct theory

Answer 8

suggests aggression is an innate characteristic, fixed part of personality, biological makeup is predetermined

• aggression is viewed as a natural instinct that builds up inside a person no matter the situation
• if aggression isn’t released, it may build up & ‘explode’
• often linked to idea of catharsis - releasing aggressive energy through sport can lead to aggressive behaviour elsewhere
• because it is a trait some people are naturally more aggressive than others

eg. a rugby player known for aggressive tackles behaves aggressively in most matches regardless of the situation

Question 9

instinct theory AO3

Answer 9

✓ helps explain why some consistently show aggressive behaviour

x doesn’t explain why aggression varies across situations

x doesn’t explain how some athletes can control their anger

x overly deterministic - suggests behaviour can’t be changed or controlled

Question 10

social learning theory

Answer 10

aggression is learned through observation, imitation & reinforcement

• people learn aggressive behaviour by watching others, especially role models (ie coaches, parents, peers)
• if aggressive behaviour is rewarded/successful or goes unpunished it is more likely to be repeated
• learning occurs through imitation, observation and reinforcement

eg. a young footballer copies aggressive fouls after seeing professional players get praised for being tough

Question 11

social learning theory AO3

Answer 11

✓ explains why aggression differs across sports, teams, cultures

x doesn’t explain spontaneous aggression

x too simplistic

x undermines biological factors

✓ highlights importance of role models

Question 12

frustration aggression hypothesis

Answer 12

aggression is the result of frustration which occurs when a goal or NAch is blocked

• when an athlete is prevented from achieving a goal, frustration increases
• this frustration can lead to aggression, especially if the athlete feels the situation is unfair
• aggression may be directed at opponents, officials, equipment or teammates

eg. a tennis player smashing their racket after losing an important point due to a bad line call

• can link to aggression-cue theory - as frustration increased, they are waiting for a cue to occur to release aggression

Question 13

frustration-aggression AO3

Answer 13

✓ explains aggression in high pressure situations

✓ useful for understanding reaction to blocked goals

x aggression can occur without prior frustration

x not always negative if frustration release leads to catharsis

Question 14

aggression-cue hypothesis

Answer 14

aggression is triggered by environmental cues

• aggression is more likely when cues are present
• these cues act as a stimulus or trigger that increases the likelihood of aggressive behaviour
• common cues include:
  
  • weapons/equipment
  • aggressive crowd behaviour / seeing aggressive acts
  • provocative language/gestures, high arousal
  • team colours/symbols

eg. a hockey player becomes more aggressive when holding a stick during a match

Question 15

aggression-cue hypothesis AO3

Answer 15

✓ why aggression increases where aggressive cues are present

✓ useful for understanding influence of environment

x aggression cues don’t always result in aggressive behaviour

x doesn’t account for self-control, moral reasoning

Question 16

displacement theory

Answer 16

aggression is redirected from its original source to a safer or more acceptable target

• aggression occurs when an athlete feels frustrated or angry but cannot retaliate directly against the source of that frustration - may be from sport or something else
• instead the aggression is displaced onto another person or object that poses less risk of punishment
• displacement often occurs when the original source of frustration has higher authority or power

eg. a footballer angry at a referee’s decision but can’t argue due to fear of a red card so commits a hard tackle on an opponent instead

Question 17

displacement theory AO3

Answer 17

✓ explains why aggression is targeted at safer targets

✓ helps coaches/officials understand indirect aggression

x doesn’t explain why some choose non-aggressive coping strategies

x ignores role of learning & personality

Question 18

extrinsic strategies to control / reduce aggression

Answer 18

• punishment: needs to be severe enough & consistent
• withdraw violent players from situation (substitutions)
• emphasis on positive role models
• positive reinforcement for non-aggressive behaviour
• reduce ‘win at all costs’ mentality
• reduce importance of event, focus on engagement
• develop players code of conduct
• change attitudes using cognitive dissonance

Question 19

intrinsic strategies to control / reduce aggressive behaviour

Answer 19

• stress management techniques: cognitive (imagery, mental rehearsal), somatic (deep breathing)
• withdraw self from situation
• use performance/process goals instead of outcome (reduce pressure)
• change attitude using cognitive dissonance