Describe and evaluate the frustration-aggression hypothesis AND Berkowitz’s (1989) reformulation of it.
Describe and evaluate the frustration-aggression hypothesis AND Berkowitz’s (1989) reformulation of it.
Social psychology has attempted to explain the origins and cause of aggression because of the consequences of violent behaviour in our society. This essay will begin with a definition of aggression and frustration in order to describe the frustration-aggression hypothesis by Dollard, Doob, Miller, Mower, and Sears (1939) which, proposes a relationship between frustration and aggression, and that one always results from the other . In addition, the essay will describe the reformed cognitive neoassociation approach by Berkowitz (1898) and conclude with an evaluation of the two.
Aggression is the intent to inflict physical or emotional harm to another (Berkowitz, 1989) and it presents itself in many forms, such as physical, emotional, and even verbal behaviours. There are two kinds of aggression; hostile and instrumental (Eysenck, 2002). The essay will focus on the latter which is motivated by the intent to harm. Frustration is defined as the blocking of the attainment expected gratification leading to arousal with a primary goal of causing harm (Dollard et al, 1939). Aggressive behaviour is the result of the aggressive drive caused by frustration.
Dollard et al’s (1939) frustration-aggression hypothesis is influenced by the Freudian psycho dynamic assumption that states, in order for psychological equilibrium (catharsis) to be established, aroused energy needs to dissipate and such a disequilibrium is resolved only by aggression. When a desired goal is prevented from external factors, this obstruction leads to frustrations that result in aggression. Therefore 1) all frustration leads to aggression and 2) all aggression is always a direct result of frustration Dollard et al’s (1939 p.1). Doob and Sear (1939 ) provided support with their study of the16 frustration infused situations. When imagining how each frustrating situation would make them feel,
Social psychology has attempted to explain the origins and cause of aggression because of the consequences of violent behaviour in our society. This essay will begin with a definition of aggression and frustration in order to describe the frustration-aggression hypothesis by Dollard, Doob, Miller, Mower, and Sears (1939) which, proposes a relationship between frustration and aggression, and that one always results from the other . In addition, the essay will describe the reformed cognitive neoassociation approach by Berkowitz (1898) and conclude with an evaluation of the two.
Aggression is the intent to inflict physical or emotional harm to another (Berkowitz, 1989) and it presents itself in many forms, such as physical, emotional, and even verbal behaviours. There are two kinds of aggression; hostile and instrumental (Eysenck, 2002). The essay will focus on the latter which is motivated by the intent to harm. Frustration is defined as the blocking of the attainment expected gratification leading to arousal with a primary goal of causing harm (Dollard et al, 1939). Aggressive behaviour is the result of the aggressive drive caused by frustration.
Dollard et al’s (1939) frustration-aggression hypothesis is influenced by the Freudian psycho dynamic assumption that states, in order for psychological equilibrium (catharsis) to be established, aroused energy needs to dissipate and such a disequilibrium is resolved only by aggression. When a desired goal is prevented from external factors, this obstruction leads to frustrations that result in aggression. Therefore 1) all frustration leads to aggression and 2) all aggression is always a direct result of frustration Dollard et al’s (1939 p.1). Doob and Sear (1939 ) provided support with their study of the16 frustration infused situations. When imagining how each frustrating situation would make them feel,