Aggression is a complex aspect of human behavior that has been widely studied by psychology. From a psychological perspective, several theories have been developed to explain aggression and its causes. In this article, we will explore the four main theories that seek to shed light on this phenomenon and understand why some people display aggressive behaviors.
Instinctive Aggression Theory
One of the classic theories about aggression is the theory of instinctive aggression, which suggests that aggression is an innate impulse in human beings, similar to other instincts such as hunger or the sexual drive. This theory is based on the idea that aggression is a natural response to situations of frustration or threat, and that human beings are biologically programmed to be aggressive in certain circumstances.
According to this theory, aggression It can be triggered by factors such as competition for limited resources, defense of territory, or protection of offspring. Aggressive instincts would be an evolutionary inheritance that would have helped our ancestors survive in a hostile and competitive environment.
Critical perspective
Despite its popularity in the past, the theory of Instinctive aggression has been criticized for oversimplifying human nature and for ignoring the influence of social and environmental factors on aggressive behavior. Many contemporary psychologists argue that aggression is not a pure biological impulse, but is influenced by a complex interaction between genetic, psychological and social factors.
Social learning theory
One of The most influential theories on aggression is the social learning theory, proposed by Albert Bandura in the 1960s. According to this theory, aggression is not an innate instinct, but rather a behavior learned through observation and imitation of models. aggressive in the social environment.
Bandura conducted a famous experiment known as the "Bobo Doll", in which children watched an adult hitting an inflatable doll (Bobo Doll) and then imitated that aggressive behavior. These results suggested that aggression can be learned by direct observation of aggressive models and reinforced by imitation.
Impact of the media
Social learning theory has also been applied to the analysis of the influence of the media on aggressiveness. According to this perspective, exposure to violent content in the media, such as movies, video games or television shows, can increase the likelihood that people will imitate aggressive behaviors and reproduce them in their daily lives.
This theory highlights the importance of paying attention to the media messages we consume and the need to promote positive models of behavior in society to reduce learned aggression.
Frustration-aggression theory
Another important theory for understanding aggression is the frustration-aggression theory, developed by John Dollard and his colleagues in the 1930s. This theory postulates that aggression is the result of frustration experienced when the satisfaction of a need is blocked. or a desire.
According to this theory, frustration generates a negative emotional state that can trigger aggressive behaviors as a way to release accumulated tension. The intensity of aggression would be directly related to the magnitude of perceived frustration and the temporal proximity between frustration and aggression.
Displacement of aggression
An important concept related to Frustration-aggression theory is the displacement of aggression, which occurs when the person cannot direct his aggression towards the source of frustration and redirects it towards a substitute goal. For example, a person who experiences frustration at work may come home and take it out on his or her family or friends.
This theory highlights the importance of appropriately managing frustration to prevent escalation of aggressive behaviors. and find alternative strategies to manage emotional tension constructively.
Impulsive Aggression Theory
Impulsive aggression theory focuses on the idea that aggression can be the result of the lack of control over emotional impulses and the inability to regulate aggressive responses. This theory suggests that some people are more prone to aggression because they have difficulty regulating their emotions and acting impulsively in conflict situations.
Factors such as impulsivity, irritability, low tolerance for frustration and lack of adequate communication skills are some of the elements that can contribute to the manifestation of impulsive aggression in an individual.
Interventions for impulsive aggression
To address impulsive aggression , it is important to work on developing emotional self-control skills, anger management, and improving interpersonal communication. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, practicing relaxation techniques and conflict resolution are some of the strategies that can be used to help people control their aggressive impulses and adopt more appropriate behaviors.
In conclusion , aggression is a complex phenomenon that can be explained from different theoretical perspectives in psychology. Whether as an instinctive impulse, a learned behavior, a response to frustration, or a manifestation of a lack of emotional control, understanding the causes of aggression is essential to prevent its occurrence and promote a more peaceful and respectful social environment.