“Aggression” describes a range of behaviors that are intended to cause harm to others; aggression may be physical, mental, or verbal, and varies according to cultural factors.
Psychologists define aggression as a range of behaviors that are intended to cause harm to others. While those behaviors often stem from anger, they can take root at a range of emotions such as jealousy, fear, or sadness, to name a few. Because the terms “aggression” and “violence” are used interchangeably in daily language, it is important to distinguish aggression from violence. Both aggression and violence can be physical, mental, or verbal. Violence, however, is an extreme expression of anger. Violence is defined as the enactment of aggression; it is an assault with intent to harm or injure others. Not all aggression leads to violence.
There are two broad categories of aggression; hostile aggression and instrumental aggression. Hostile aggression is accompanied by strong emotions, particularly anger, and is associated with impulsive, unplanned, or uncontrolled behavior. Instrumental aggression, in contrast, is a means to an end. It is often referred to as predatory aggression and is associated with goal-oriented, planned, hidden, or controlled behavior. In instrumental aggression, harming the person is used to obtain some other goal, such as money.
Key Points
• Aggression is defined by psychologists as a range of behaviors that are intended to cause harm to others; it is generally divided into hostile aggression and instrumental aggression.
• Hostile aggression is accompanied by strong emotions, particularly anger. It is associated with being impulsive, unplanned, overt, or uncontrolled. Harming the other person is the goal.
• Instrumental aggression is a means to an end. It is often referred to as predatory aggression and is associated with goal-oriented, planned, hidden, or controlled behavior. In instrumental aggression, harming the person is used to obtain some other goal, such as money.
Key Terms
instrumental aggression: aggression that is goal-directed and used as a means to an end. Often referred to as predatory aggression
Hostile aggression: impulsive, unplanned, or uncontrolled behavior to cause harm
aggression: a range of behaviors that are intended to cause harm
