Frustration & Agression
In order to understand the frustration and aggression hypothesis, we must first define frustration and aggression. What does being frustrated really mean? According to Weiten, frustration is the feeling that people experience in any situation in which their pursuit of some goal is thwarted. The definition of aggression is defined as a forceful action or procedure (unprovoked attack) especially when intended to dominate or master and it is also a feeling of tension that occurs when ones goals or efforts are blocked or stopped. In the 1993 studies of Baron & Richardson, aggression was defined as “any form of behavior directed towards the goal of harming or injuring another living being who is motivated to avoid such treatment”(Eysenck, 1996). With both definitions of frustration and aggression, scientist coined to what is called frustration and aggression hypothesis. Frustration and aggression hypothesis mainly focuses on the interplay of cognitive and motivational processes in aggressive behavior. To understand this concept, one must first know what and why this is hypothesized. Frustration can create a state of being uncomfortable or being unhappy. From discomfort and negative emotions can lead to aggression. When feelings of anger are produced, those feelings of anger can generate to feelings of aggression then can lead to aggressive behavior. Frustration and aggression hypothesis has been utilized to develop an explanation of violent behavior throughout the years.
When this occurs, it can produce feelings of anger, which in turn can generate feelings of aggression and aggressive behavior. This theory has been utilized to explain a lot of violent
Frustration and Aggression Hypothesis 3 behavior over time. For instance, at a school setting students are taught and encouraged to get good scores on their exams. Good scores on their exams means earning a passing grade A, B, and sometimes C. A student might turn out depressive if getting a C- or
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Wikipedia (2009). Columbine High School massacre. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbine_High_School_massacre