Aversively stimulated aggression: Some parallels and differences in research with animals and humans.

Abstract

On the basis of a review of research with animals and humans, it is argued that a broad range of aversive conditions evoke both flight and fight inclinations. Various factors determine the relative strengths of these dispositions so that the instigation to aggression is not always apparent in overt behavior. Further, it is also maintained that the aversively stimulated aggressive inclination in animals and humans is not only directed toward the diminution of the noxious stimulation, although negative reinforcement of the aggressive reaction can be an important factor in many instances. Some influences, such as classical conditioning, are common to animals and humans, but thought processes are probably more important in affecting human reactions to aversive events. The role of these thought processes is discussed, and it is suggested that Schachter's cognitive theory of emotions, with its emphasis on the self-labeling of feelings, does not apply to aversively stimulated aggression. A neoassociationistic network conception of emotions is favored as an alternative. It is also proposed that the thoughts and memories influencing the emotional experience and behavior can operate at various times in the sequence. The effect of learned helplessness is discussed in connection with this type of aggression. The thesis is also extended to the hostile tendencies often displayed by depressives, and it is suggested that the pain and suffering experienced by depressives contribute to their disposition to aggression.

Do the same risk and protective factors influence aggression toward partners and same‐sex others?

“…Some researchers place more emphasis on automatic processes as causes of aggression (e.g., Berkowitz, 1983Berkowitz, , 1993Berkowitz, , 2008 whereas others place more emphasis on controlled decision-making (e.g., Tedeschi & Felson, 1994). Conscious assessment of costs and benefits is consistent with the latter view, often referred to as the "rational choice" approach (Piliavin, Gartner, Thornton, & Matsueda., 1986).…”

Personality and aggressive behavior under provoking and neutral conditions: A meta-analytic review.

“…People who are particularly likely to engage in aggressive behavior have more elaborate and readily accessible aggressionrelated cognitions (Anderson & Bushman, 2002;Berkowitz, 1983Berkowitz, , 1993Huesmann, 1988). Dodge (2002) underscored that children acquire these aggressive cognitions through early experiences and socialization.…”

Perceptual responses to infant crying after EEG biofeedback assisted stress management training: Implications for physical child abuse

“…First the clients were given Berkowitz's (1983) explanation of how an aversive stimulus like crying can evoke an aggressive response, then the discussion shifted to how they could extinguish negative emotional responses to infant crying by learning an incompatible relaxation response (Furedy & Riley, 1982). Similar to Wolpe's (1958) systematic desensitization, the current experiment was designed to gradually expose clients to louder volumes of infant crying at a rate determined by the listener's physiological stress response.…”