What Is Aggression?

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What IsAggression?
Any form of behavior directed toward the goal of
harming or injuring another living being who is
motivated to avoid such treatment. (Baron and
Richardson, 1994)
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Criteria for Aggression (Violence)
Aggression is a behavior.
Aggression involves harm or injury.
Aggression is directed toward another living
organism (who doesnt want pain).
Aggression involves intent to harm. Aggression
usually involves norm violation
assertiveness vs. violence
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Types of Aggression
Hostile or reactive aggression
The primary goal is to inflict injury or
psychological harm to another.
Instrumental aggression
Aggression occurring in the quest of some
competitive goal.
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A special case of spectator aggression
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Aggression in Sport
Spectator aggression is associated with
small-scale, on-the-field aggressive acts
aroused conditions
alcohol use and
younger, disadvantaged male spectators (e.g.,
soccer gangs).
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Aggression in Sport
Game reasoning and aggression
Many athletes view aggression as inappropriate in
general but appropriate in the sport environment.
This is called bracketed morality.
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Aggression in Sport
Athletic performance and aggression
No clear pattern has been found, but
professionals must decide if they value enhanced
performance at the cost of increased aggression.
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Causes of Aggression
Instinct Theory
Individuals have an innate instinct to be
aggressive, which builds up until it must be
expressed (directly or via catharsis). no
support variant athletes have too much
testosterone
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Causes of Aggression
FrustrationAggression Theory
Frustration causes aggression. no support
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Causes of Aggression
Social Learning Theory
Aggression is learned through observing others
(modeling) and then having similar behavior
reinforced. supported rivalry and retaliation
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Causes of Aggression
Revised FrustrationAggression Theory
Combines elements of the frustration-aggression
theory with the social learning
theory. supported
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Causes of Aggression
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Implications for Practice
Recognize when aggression is most likely to
occurwhen individuals are frustrated and
aroused, often because they
are losing,
perceive unfair officiating,
are embarrassed,
are physically in pain, or
are playing below capabilities.
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Implications for Practice
Control aggression via stress or
emotional-management training.
Keep winning in perspective.
Distinguish between aggression (VIOLENCE) and
assertive or intense play.
Teach nonviolent conflict resolution skills.
Teach appropriate behavior.
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Implications for Practice
Control spectator aggression.
Develop strict alcohol-control policies.
1.
Immediately penalize spectators for aggressive
acts.
2.
Hire officials who dont tolerate aggression.
3.
Inform coaches that aggression wont be
tolerated.
4.
Work with media not to glorify aggressive acts.
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