Aggression can be directly learned through operant conditioning, involving positive and negative reinforcement and punishment Bandura proposed that aggression can also be learnt by the indirect mechanism of observational learning Social learning theory maintains that children learn through a process of imitation

Definition Although definitions of aggression vary, most researchers agree that aggressive acts are both intentional and potentially hurtful to the victim Thus, learned aggression in humans is defined as learned (not instinctive) behavior or actions that are meant to harm another individual

There is no gene or system in the body that can be identified as “for aggression” While it appears clear that genetic variation in neurotransmitters and hormones can be involved in the ways in which we express aggressive behavior, there is no direct or casual link Our genes cannot make us aggressiv

According to a new psychosocial study, reactive and proactive types of aggressive behavior in 6-year-old children share most of the same genetic factors His results demonstrate that, at age 6, both types of aggression have most of the same genetic factors, but the behaviour diminishes in most children as they ag

Behaviourism argues that a person’s environment determines their behaviour, which suggests that people have no free will to make their own decisions in life Bandura hypothesized that if a child sees aggressive behaviour go unpunished, they will go on to imitate that behaviou

The theories are: 1 Instinct Theory of Aggression 2 Frustration Aggression Hypothesis 3 Social Learning Theory

What Causes Aggressive Behavior?

• physical health
• mental health
• family structure
• relationships with others
• work or school environment
• societal or socioeconomic factors
• individual traits
• life experiences

Aggression may be caused by psychiatric or cognitive diseases, disorders or conditions including: Antisocial personality disorder (disordered perceptions and interactions with others) Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Autism

Non-verbal behaviours that can help to defuse aggression include:

1. Being aware of your own body language and showing a non-threatening, open stance
2. Keeping good eye contact but ensuring this does not appear confrontational
3. Moving slowly and steadily
4. Respecting the other person’s personal space

Aggression and violence are terms often used interchangeably; however, the two differ Violence can be defined as the use of physical force with the intent to injure another person or destroy property, while aggression is generally defined as angry or violent feelings or behavio

In some children, the bad behavior tapers off as they grow older But other children will grow up to become violent individuals whose childhood conduct disorder will be reclassified after age 18 as antisocial personality disorder (APD), a diagnosis common to those charged with violent crimes

Aggressive behavior can cause physical or emotional harm to others It may range from verbal abuse to physical abuse It can also involve harming personal property Aggressive behavior violates social boundaries

Depression is known to run in families, suggesting that genetic factors contribute to the risk of developing this disease However, research into the genetics of depression is in its early stages, and very little is known for certain about the genetic basis of the diseas

Aggression is a word that we use every day to characterize the behavior of others and perhaps even of ourselves Social psychologists define aggression as behavior that is intended to harm another individual who does not wish to be harmed (Baron & Richardson, 1994)

Preventing aggression

1. Set out clear expectations
2. Build rapport and be understanding
3. Show cultural sensitivity
4. Avoid negative talk
5. Don’t assume or make judgments
6. Be encouraging
7. Avoid power struggles
8. Manage problems

Proactive or instrumental aggression is goal-directed behavior designed to achieve an objective beyond physical violence (eg, robbery) Reactive or hostile aggression, on the other hand, is performed in response to provocation (eg retaliation)

Recently, the following distinction has been proposed that might further clarify this heterogeneity: reactive aggression is an aggressive response to a perceived threat or provocation, whereas proactive aggression is defined as behaviour that anticipates a reward