Possible Determinants of Aggression

Abstract

Some determinants of aggression have been discussed. First of all, it was shown that contrary to thinking of the last decades frustration could not simply be held as a major determinant of aggressive behavior. In several experiments frustration led to inhibition instead to an increase of aggression. Following this, the fenomenon of aggression was considered in terms of learning theory. Two sorts of primary reinforcers (intrinsical and extrinsical) were distinguished from secondary reinforcers of aggression. By means of this reinforcement-model a link could be established between several kinds of aggression like frustration aggression, instrumental aggression and obedient aggression.

Frustration and instrumentality of aggression

“…In our experiment the manipulation of frustration could not lead to a norm which influenced the aggression level in the secondfully differentpart. Confirming to the inhibition theory (Lange 1971(Lange , 1972 we could not predict a onesided effect of frustration. Whether aggression would be heightened or reduced would depend on the threatening impact of the situation for the subjects.…”

“…There was more hostility towards the experimenter within the nonfrustration than within the frustration conditions. Van de Nes (1971) and Lange (1972) tried to reduce several single determinants of aggression to one denominator. Following Buss (1961), they distinguished 'intrinsic' and 'extrinsic' primary reinforcers of aggressive behavior.…”