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Exploring the frustration-aggression hypothesis, initially proposed by John Dollard in 1939, which links frustration to aggressive behavior. The theory has evolved, with Leonard Berkowitz's 1965 revision highlighting situational cues and negative affect. Research challenges the catharsis theory of aggression, suggesting that aggression may increase anger. Critics argue the hypothesis oversimplifies aggression's causes and responses.
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The frustration-aggression hypothesis was formulated by researchers, including John Dollard, in 1939
Factors Influencing Aggression
The level of aggression is thought to be proportional to the degree of frustration, influenced by factors such as the importance of the goal and the magnitude of the obstacle
The frustration-aggression hypothesis has evolved to encompass a variety of reactions, such as the displacement of aggression onto less threatening targets
The frustration-aggression hypothesis has been instrumental in explaining group dynamics, such as scapegoating, during periods of hardship
Berkowitz's Refinement
Leonard Berkowitz refined the frustration-aggression hypothesis by emphasizing the role of situational cues in eliciting aggression
Negative Affect
Berkowitz introduced the concept of negative affect, which can predispose individuals to aggression when combined with frustration and provocative cues
The frustration-aggression hypothesis has been used to support the catharsis theory, but research has shown that engaging in aggressive behaviors may actually increase feelings of anger and aggression
Some critics argue that the frustration-aggression hypothesis is too simplistic and fails to account for aggressive behavior that occurs without frustration or in different social contexts
Aggression can also be a learned behavior, suggesting that it is not always a direct consequence of frustration
Methodological critiques include the over-reliance on certain demographics and the artificiality of laboratory settings, which may affect the external validity of the research