Why do People behave Aggressively - Assignment Example

Why People Behave Aggressively Aggression is motivated by various reasons and its root cause is a debatable Fear,jealousy and rage are among the reasons people become aggressive. Some argue that a link exists between playing violent video games or the viewing of violent acts on television and aggressive behaviors. Mental disorders could also play a role. Aggressive acts are not always the result of anger. It’s a complex subject that is often over-simplified by a society that would benefit from understanding its causes better.

People’s motive for aggression and the form it takes is as unique as the particular situation and individual. For example: A husband comes home early to find his wife in bed with his friend. He flies into a rage, grabs his shotgun and shoots them both, an aggressive act to be sure. However, if that same husband walked away but later hired a man to kill them both this would also be an aggressive act, by both the husband and hired killer. The husband who used his shotgun displayed a “reactive” aggression response.

It was impulsive and angry. The hit-man’s action was proactive; calculated and motivated by money. The husband who hired the killer was acting both proactively and reactively. (Dodge/Coie, 1987). Aggression is instinctual to almost all animals, especially the human variety. A popular theory proposes aggression is instigated by frustration of varying types. When a person is prevented from achieving an ambition, frustration leads to aggression. Fear, the fight or flight option, is another motivator.

Evolutionary biologists suggest aggression has aided mankind to survive and we, as a species, continue to harbor this evolutionary trait. Genetics and the environment in which people are raised are also likely to play a part in aggressive behaviors. Ego can be an important factor as well along with drugs and alcohol use. (Bushman/Anderson, 2001)Some people in prison are there due to one act of aggression. They are not “animals” or “evil” necessarily. It just takes one impulsive act to ruin people’s lives.

This is the reason aggressive behaviors should be better understood. It is a multifaceted subject that is too often over-simplified. ReferencesBushman, B. J., & Anderson, C. A. (2001). Is it time to pull the plug on the hostile versus instrumental aggression dichotomy? Psychological Review. Retrieved from http://www.rcgd.isr.umich.edu/aggr/articles/Huesmann/2010.Bushman&Huesmann.Aggression.HandbookSocial.pdfDodge, K. A. & Coie, J. D. (1987). Social - information - processing factors in reactive and proactive aggression in children’s peer groups.

Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 53, 1146 – 1158.