Is it reasonable to conclude that aggression is an inevitable and inescapable part of our lives? Discuss with reference to relevant psychological theory and research.
Introduction
Aggression is a complex and wide subject that is often difficult to describe in a simple manner. It is widely accepted as 'any behavior directed toward another individual that is carried out with the proximate intent to cause harm' (Bushman & Anderson, 2001). Every being inhibits aggressive nature against fellow beings in various ways. These include brutally stabbing someone to spreading rumors and depending on the person and situation; the words used can carry positive or negative connotations. People often ask the following question: Is aggression a part of our lives? Can it be avoided or not? This essay evaluates several theories in order to draw a conclusion of whether or not aggression is inescapable.
Discussion
There are several contrasting viewpoints and theories regarding aggression. These theories have been classified into two categories, social theories and biological theories; this in turn has fueled the debate of nature-nurture controversy. Starting with biological theories, Freud (1930) proposed the psychodynamic theory in which he claimed that aggression stems from an innate death instinct, Thantos, which is primarily concentrating at self-destruction, but is later developed and redirected outwards at others. This theory claims that aggression builds up and must be released at some point. However, the aggressive nature of humans varies across societies. Nonetheless, if aggression is instinctive and inherited, as Freud suggest, then everyone should show signs of aggression. Furthermore, with aggression having such a broad spectrum, it is unconvincing that psychodynamic theory accounts for all the different forms of aggression.
Lorenz, along with Robert Ardery (1966) adopted the ethological perspective which acknowledges that although instinctive, actual aggressive behavior is linked to environmental stimuli. This theory is realistic since most crimes follow this theory. Ha also claimed that aggression was linked to survival, but this claim has been rejected since humans are not equipped like animals. However, the development of technology has allowed humans to kill each other at a massive scale. Such inventions have led to an increase in the number cases of aggression where people get injured or even killed.
Dollard, Miller, Doob, Mowrer & Sears (1939), social psychologist, presented their hypothesis that aggression is linked to frustration. This theory was further enhanced to suggest that aggression occurs because of a primary source but the frustration is taken out on someone else. This is plausible since it may often not be possible to aggress the primary source due to the status. This can be reduced with the help of training people to control their emotions, and anger management. Another way to get rid of the anger is to use it in sports in which aggression is key to success.
The frustration-aggression theory claims that aggression can be learnt, but this theory has several flaws such as it being too simple. It claims that some people may be frustrated over a thing but another person may not be ...
