Hostile Aggression

Definition

Hostile aggression is a type of aggression that is driven by the intent to cause harm or inflict pain on another individual. It is an impulsive, angry, and retaliatory form of aggression, often triggered by perceived provocation or threat, with the primary goal of harming the target.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hostile aggression is characterized by an emotional, impulsive, and reactive response to a perceived threat or provocation.
2. The primary goal of hostile aggression is to inflict harm or damage on the target, rather than to achieve a specific goal.
3. Hostile aggression is often associated with high levels of physiological arousal, such as increased heart rate and blood pressure.
4. Factors that can contribute to hostile aggression include individual differences in temperament, past experiences, and environmental influences.
5. Hostile aggression can have negative consequences for both the perpetrator and the victim, including legal, social, and psychological repercussions.

Review Questions

• Explain how the frustration-aggression hypothesis relates to hostile aggression.
  • The frustration-aggression hypothesis suggests that when an individual is unable to achieve a desired goal, the resulting frustration can lead to an aggressive response. In the context of hostile aggression, this theory proposes that the inability to attain a goal or the perception of being blocked or threatened can trigger an impulsive, angry, and retaliatory form of aggression, where the primary aim is to cause harm or inflict pain on the target.
• Describe how the excitation transfer theory can contribute to understanding hostile aggression.
  • The excitation transfer theory posits that physiological arousal from one situation can be transferred and amplify aggressive responses in a subsequent situation. In the case of hostile aggression, this theory suggests that the heightened physiological state, such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, experienced during a perceived provocation or threat can carry over and intensify the aggressive reaction, even if the initial trigger has been removed. This can lead to a disproportionate and impulsive aggressive response that is driven more by the physiological arousal than the immediate situational factors.
• Analyze how individual and environmental factors can influence the likelihood of an individual engaging in hostile aggression.
  • Hostile aggression is a complex behavior that is influenced by a combination of individual and environmental factors. Individual factors, such as temperament, past experiences, and underlying psychological or neurological conditions, can predispose an individual to more impulsive and reactive forms of aggression. Environmental factors, such as exposure to violence, social norms, and the presence of situational triggers, can also shape an individual's propensity for hostile aggression. The interplay between these factors can create a heightened risk for engaging in hostile aggression, as the individual's predispositions may be exacerbated by environmental cues and stressors, leading to a disproportionate and harmful aggressive response.

Related terms

Instrumental Aggression: A type of aggression that is used as a means to an end, such as obtaining a desired object or goal, rather than being driven by the intent to cause harm.

Frustration-Aggression Hypothesis: A theory that suggests aggression is a result of frustration, where the inability to achieve a desired goal leads to an aggressive response.

Excitation Transfer Theory: A theory that explains how physiological arousal from one situation can be transferred to and intensify aggressive responses in a subsequent situation.