Social psychological explanations: Frustration Aggression Hypothesis

Question 1

What does the frustration-aggression hypothesis suggest?

Answer 1

• If anyone experiences feelings of frustration, it will inevitably lead to anger and aggression
• This is based on the psychodynamic assumption of catharsis which states we have innate drives that need to be relieved or satisfied e.g anger.

Question 2

What are the 2 defence mechanisms that are implicated in aggression?

Answer 2

Sublimation - engaging in activities or sports that provide a safe way to vent your frustration

Displacement - re-directing your frustration and anger towards something or something else

Question 3

What are some of the reasons why some aggression may be indirect and who proposed them?

Answer 3

• The frustration is caused by someone or something that is abstract e.g. government
• There is a fear of consequences that prevent direct aggression e.g. police
• The object of the frustration may not be available e.g. you may not see your colleague till the next day

Question 4

Evaluate the frustration-aggression hypothesis

Answer 4

RS: Green
- He conducted a lab study where he gave a jigsaw puzzle to male participants to complete in 3 different conditions
- In one condition they were given unattainable time, in another condition they were given an impossible puzzle and in another a confederate insulted them as they failed to complete the puzzle.
- The participants where then given the opportunity to administer electric shocks to the confederate in another task
- The condition who received the insults gave the highest voltage and all three groups gave higher volts compared to the control group.