Aggression/Aggression theories Flashcards
What is aggression
intent to harm outside the rules (hostile behaviour)
What is assertion
well-motivated behaviour within the rules
What does the instinct theory suggest
-aggression is genetically inherited (innate)
-a trait of violence lies within everyone,called the ‘Death Instinct’
-Aggressive energy constantly builds up and needs to be released somehow
This is called ‘cathartic belief’
-predictable
-measurable
-consistently aggressive in and out of sport
Disadvantages of the instinct theory
-too simplistic
-generalized
-not all people
-does not take into account environmental influences
What is cathartic belief
releasing strong or suppressed emotions
What does the social learning theory suggest
-aggression is learned through modeloling
-can be taught (Role models)
-comes as a result of experience,education and reinforcement
Disadvantages of the Social Learning Theory
-ignores traits
-not measurable
-ignores which specific cues lead to aggression
-the same situation can result in different responses
Describe the frustration aggression hypothesis
-A performer has a drive/motivation to achieve a goal
-however that goal is blocked by an obstacle which ALWAYS leads to frustration
-and frustration will always lead to aggression
-If the aggression is successful (helps you get closer to your goal),the athlete will experience catharsis
-If the aggression is unsuccessful (gets you further away from your goal),the athlete will experience punishment (i.e. bad tackle leading to red card
Advantages of the frustration aggression hypothesis
Adv:
-more realistic than trait and SLT
-the concept of goal blocking is evident in sport
-catharsis does occur,which is also realistic
-the link between frustration and aggression is useful,can help identify aggression when an athlete is frustrated
Disadvantages of the frustration aggression hypothesis
-frustration doesn’t always lead to aggression
-you can have frustration without aggression
-aggression is sometimes learned
-unpunished aggression does not always lead to catharsis
-ignores traits
-goal blocking does not always lead to frustration
Describe the aggressive cue hypothesis
-An environmental cue will lead to an increase in arousal
-An increase in arousal could lead to no aggressive cue which leads to a decreased tendency for aggression
-An increase in arousal could lead to an aggressive cue which increases the tendency for aggression
Advantages of the aggressive cue hypothesis
-explains the nature of environmental influences
-aggressive cues are individual from person to person
-explains why frustration does not always lead to aggression
Disadvantages of the aggressive cue hypothesis
-people do display aggression without cues
-it is a very complex model
-ignores traits
