Outline Contributors to aggression How to reduce aggression Learning Social learning theory Media and violence Today will we be discussing body image, anorexia, and physical abuse Evolution Culture Situation Frustration aggression hypothesis How to reduce aggression

Is it due to evolution? Are we born into it?

Evolution? Aggression allows people to defend their group and perpetuate one’s genes Men 1) establish dominance (attracts mate) 2) ensure their paternity

Is it culture? As culture changes so too does aggression Iroquois Culture of honor Be Polite to show honor Act aggressively when honor affronted to restore status

Culture of Honor

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Is it due to the situation? Frustration aggression hypothesis Frustration – being prevented from reaching goals Increases probability of aggression Important factors How close to goal – closer more aggression Cut in line 2nd or 12 spot, more aggression when 2nd Frustration is unexpected Relative deprivation (you have less than you deserve), not deprivation alone contributes to frustration

Is it due to the situation? Response to provocation Retaliate more when provoked, unless learn of mitigating circumstance Presence of aggressive stimuli, increases aggression Alcohol Expectations may be more important than level of intoxication Heat and Pain Long hot summer

Figure 12.1 The Long, Hot Summer Warm temperatures increase the likelihood that violent riots and other aggressive acts will occur. (Adapted from Carlsmith & Anderson, 1979)

How to reduce Aggression Catharsis – release the aggression by performing an aggressive act, watching one, or fantasizing about one. Freud’s hydraulic theory of aggression Doesn’t work Acts of violence increase after watching aggression. Being allowed to aggress at time 1, does not curb aggression at time 2

How to reduce Aggression (cont) Punishment Insufficient punishment works Judicial system Punishment works when: Prompt Certain / consistent **consistency/certainty more important as a deterrent than severity Perceived fair by the aggressor Judicial system ineffective in light of these principles Is corporal (physical) punishment effective? # spankings can predict later child aggression, controlling for orig. aggression level

How to reduce Aggression (cont) Active enabling techniques – ways of coping (count to 10) Receive an apology Teach Effective communication Teach Empathy Reduce daily aggression