Frustration-Aggression Hypothesis

Frustration-Aggression Hypothesis

1. Coined by Dollard et al. (1939), based on the psychodynamic explanation of catharsis

   • Catharsis- a process which creates psychological relief i.e crying
   • He proposed that if we experience frustration, this leads to aggression.The aggression is a cathartic release of the build-up of frustration.
     • Dollard explains that if the individual is prevented from achieving a goal by some external factor, then this will lead to frustration which will always lead to aggression
       • The aggresion cannot always be directed at the source of aggression, which may be abstarct such as lack of money, or too porwerful, as the risk of punishment is too high.
         • Psychodynamic theory proposes we have ego defence mechanisms to protect ourselves.
           • Two defences mechanisms that are used in the catharsis of aggression are: sublimation - using aggression in acceptable activities such as sport, Displacement - directing our aggression outwards onto something or someone else.

2. Freud

   • Believes the drive for aggression is innate, like the drive for food
     • The only way to reduce aggression is to engage in an activity which released it
       • We subsequently feel better, because we've "got it off our chest"

3. Berkowitz (1969) proposed a revised frustration-aggression hypthesis

   • he argued that frustration doesn't always lead to aggression
     • He stated that aggression would only occur in the presence of certain cues
       • For example, cues such as the presence of weapons will be more likely to trigger aggression

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