Aggression Flashcards
What is the definition of aggression ?
Intent to harm outside the rules ; hostile behaviour
What is the definition of assertion ?
Well motivated behaviour within the rules
Why are the characteristics of aggression ?
Uncontrolled
Intent to harm
Outside the rules
Reactive
What are the characteristics of assertion ?
Controlled
No intent to harm
Within the rules
Motivated
What are the 4 aggression theories ?
Instinct theory
The frustration-aggression hypothesis
The aggression due hypothesis
Social learning theory
What is the instinct theory ?
Instinct theory - Aggression is spontaneous and innate
The aggressive response is innate
It is a product of our evolution and will surface provocation. Defending territory. Home pitch !
Players use sport as an outlet for built-up aggressive energy catharsis.
What is the evaluation of the instinct theory ?
Aggression may not be spontaneous
Aggression is pre-planned / learned
Evolution, it all aggressive
Performers in aggressive sports calmer away from the game. Through catharsis
What is catharsis ?
Cleansing the emotions using sport as an outlet for aggression
What is the frustration-aggression hypothesis?
Aggression is inevitable when frustrating circumstances cause our goals to be blocked, e.g. a referees decision, poor play or being fouled
Blocked goals cause frustration, frustration causes aggression, release of aggression causes catharsis is not released increased further frustration is felt.
Why is the aggression cue hypothesis ?
Aggression due hypothesis - Suggests aggression is caused by a learned trigger
Aggression only occurs if learned ‘cues’ are present
Such pre-learned cues, learned from coaches or other players, trigger the aggressive response. For example a coach may have allowed a football player to elbow the defender as his team works for positions in the penalty area as the corner is taken. The taking of the corner is a learned cue for an aggressive response.
What is the social learning theory ?
Aggression is leaned from experience, coaches, role models and significant others
Aggressive behaviour will be copied if reinforced e.g. a basketball player sees her team captain foul and opponent, she is marking closely and the opposing player is out of her game
Bandura suggested that children will copy the aggressive behaviour of adults, especially in a live situation
How do we prevent aggression ?
Don’t reinforce aggressive acts in training
Punishing players with fines, sub them
Sending players off
Mental rehearsal reduces arousal, teach cognitive techniques e.g. imagery
Teach relaxation, stress management, calming players down
Set goals on performance not outcome
Reinforce assertion if training
Applying the rules consistently and fairly (fair play awards)
Pointing out responsibilities to the team
Walking away from the situation
Applying sanctions immediately
Non aggressive goals
Highlight non-aggressive role models
Channel aggression into assertion
