Psychology 2070A/B Chapter Notes - Chapter 11: Bsc Young Boys, Homicide, Relative Deprivation
17 Oct 2018
School
Department
Course
Professor
Document Summary
Aggression is causing intentional pain or harm (physical or psychological). Whether or not harm actually results from the action, if the intention was to cause harm then it is aggression regardless. Intention is key, so do not confuse it with assertiveness. Hostile aggression is one whose sole aim and purpose is to inflict harm. Instrumental aggression is one where the infliction of pain of harm is a means to another goal. Direct behaviour is engaging in harming behaviour directly to the person, while indirect behaviour is doing something behind someone"s back to harm him or her. For example, spreading rumours about someone behind their back is indirect aggression while punching someone is direct. Freud says that humans are built with an instinct for life (eros) and an equal strong instinct for death (thanatos). He believed that aggression has to come out in some shape or form and can be very dangerous if it builds up too much.
