Psychology of Aggression

Outlines :
Definitions
Different forms of aggression
Models and perspectives of
aggression
Determinants of aggression
Prevention and control of
aggression
Aggression

Behavior that hurts or destroys another person ,

either verbally or physically, or both.

Or

An action intended to harm another person.

Different forms of aggression
Verbally expressed hostility
Physical assaultive behavior (violence)
Indirect expressed anger
Humor (jokes)
Rumors
Excitement – Agitation - Aggression
Excitement : increases psychomotor activity
accompanied by autonomic hyperactivity
Agitation : aimless psychomotor activity that stems
from physical or mental unease
Two types of aggressive violence behavior: impulsive
violence versus premeditated violence
Aggressive behavior is not linked with one specific
psychiatric diagnosis but, rather, is the result of
complex interactions among environmental,
psychological, genetic, and biological factors (Nature
& Nurture).
Models and perspectives of aggression

I.Biological model of aggression

(anatomical – genetics- biochemical –hormonal)

II. Psychological model of aggression

Aggression as instinctive behavior
Aggression as a learned social behavior
Aggression as elicited drive
Aggression as a cognitive process
Biological model of aggression
A. Anatomical basis of aggression
I. Limbic system including amygdala
II. Temporal lobes
III. Hypothalamus
IV. Reticular activating system
V. Cerebral cortex

Evidence: clinical evidence – experimental evidence –

pharmacological evidence
B. Chromosomal abnormalities and
genetics
-Twin studies
-Pedigree studies
-Chromosomal influence as XYY
-Some genetic inborn error of metabolism.. Lish
Nyhan syndrome, phenyl ketonuria
-Genetically determined diseases of 5ht
transporter…..
C. Biochemical and hormonal
Neurotransmitters :
Norepinephrine
Serotonin
Gamma- aminobutyric acid
Dopamine
Hormones
Testosterone
Estrogen
Progesterone
Thyroid hormones
Psychological model of aggression
Aggression as instinctive behavior…
Psychoanalytic and evolutionary theories
Aggression as a learned social behavior…
social learning theory
Aggression as elicited drive…
Humanistic theory
Aggression as a cognitive
process…..cognitive theory
Determinants of aggression
Social determinants (frustration- provocation –
exposure to aggressive model – lack of social skill
–peer influence; Mob psychology, mere presence
of guns - cultural aspects)
Environmental determinants ( air pollution –
noise – crowding – heat)
Physiological situational determinants
( physiological arousal – sexual arousal – pain)
Prevention and control of aggression
Punishment !
Catharsis!
Social skill training
Induction of incompatible behavior
Cognitive strategies
Biological:
- Pharmacotherapy … … … … …. ….
- Psychosurgery!
Thank you