home Audience 5 Human aggression: psychology comes to the rescue. Aggression, aggressiveness and violent behavior

Human aggression: psychology comes to the rescue. Aggression, aggressiveness and violent behavior

Aggression (from Latin aggressio - attack)- motivated destructive behavior that contradicts the norms (rules) of coexistence of people in society, harms the objects of attack (animate and inanimate), causes physical harm to people or causes them psychological discomfort (negative experiences, states of tension, fear, depression, etc. .).

The purpose of aggression can be:- coercion; - strengthening power and dominance; - impression management; - earnings; - affective release, resolution of internal conflict; - revenge for suffering suffered; - inflicting pain on the victim, obtaining pleasure from her suffering.

The following are highlighted. types of aggression:

physical aggression (attack) - the use of physical force against another person or object;

Verbal Aggression - the expression of negative feelings both through the form (quarrel, screaming, screeching) and through the content of verbal reactions (threat, curses, swearing);

direct aggression - directly directed against someone. object or subject;

indirect aggression - actions that are directed in a roundabout way at another person (malicious gossip, jokes, etc.), and actions characterized by lack of direction and disorder (explosions of rage, manifested in screaming, stomping feet, beating the table with fists, etc.). P.);

instrumental Aggression, which is a means of achieving k.-l. goals;

hostile Aggression - expressed in actions aimed at causing harm to the object of aggression;

auto-aggression - aggression manifested in self-accusation, self-humiliation, self-harm, even suicide;

altruistic Aggression, which has the goal of protecting others from someone else’s aggressive actions.

Aggressive behavior- one of the forms of response to various unfavorable physical and mental life situations that cause stress, frustration, etc. condition. Psychologically, A. is one of the main ways to solve problems associated with the preservation of individuality and identity, with the protection and growth of a sense of self-worth, self-esteem, level of aspirations, as well as the preservation and strengthening of control over the environment that is essential for the subject.

Aggressive actions act as:

means of achieving k.-l. meaningful goal;

a way of psychological relaxation;

a way to satisfy the need for self-realization and self-affirmation.

Aggressiveness is a personality trait that consists in the willingness and preference to use violent means to achieve one’s goals. Aggression is the manifestation of aggressiveness in destructive actions, the purpose of which is to harm a particular person. Aggression in different individuals can have varying degrees of severity - from almost complete absence to extreme development. Probably, a harmoniously developed personality should have a certain degree of aggressiveness. The needs of individual development and social practice should form in people the ability to remove obstacles, and sometimes even to physically overcome what opposes this process. A complete lack of aggressiveness leads to pliability and inability to take an active position in life. At the same time, excessive development of aggressiveness according to the type of accentuation begins to determine the entire appearance of the personality, turns it into a conflict person, incapable of social cooperation, and in its extreme expression is a pathology (social and clinical): aggression loses its rational-selective orientation and becomes a habitual way of behavior, manifesting itself in unjustified hostility, malice, cruelty, and negativism.

Aggressive manifestations may be:

a means to achieve a specific goal,

a way of psychological release, replacing a blocked need,

an end in itself,

a way to satisfy the need for self-realization and self-affirmation.

Thus, human aggressiveness is heterogeneous, varies from weak to extreme, and differs in its modality and purpose. It is possible to distinguish parameters of aggressiveness of various modalities, differing:

the intensity of aggression, its cruelty;

targeting a specific person or all people in general;

situationality or stability of aggressive personality tendencies.

Conventionally, the following types of behavior can be distinguished from the point of view of aggressiveness:

anti-aggression- a negative attitude towards any aggressive manifestations of a person who always tries to reconcile with people, considers it impossible to beat the weak, a woman, children, a cripple; in the event of a conflict, he believes that it is better to leave, endure it, or contact the police; he defends himself only in the event of an obvious physical attack;

intense aggression motivated by the satisfaction received from performing conditionally aggressive activities (games, wrestling, competitions), without the goal of causing harm. Thus, sport is a socially acceptable form of manifestation of a person’s aggressive tendencies, a kind of release of aggression, as well as a form of self-affirmation, increasing social status and obtaining material benefits (for professional athletes);

undifferentiated aggressiveness- a mild manifestation of aggression, expressed in irritability and scandals on any occasion and with a wide variety of people, in hot temper, harshness, rudeness. But these people can reach the point of physical aggression and even domestic crimes;

local aggressiveness, or impulsive, - aggression manifests itself as a direct reaction to a conflict situation, a person can verbally insult the enemy (verbal aggression), but also allows physical means of aggression, he can hit, beat, etc. The degree of general irritation is less pronounced than in the previous subtype;

conditional, instrumental aggression, associated with self-affirmation, for example in boyish romp;

hostile aggressiveness- persistent emotions of anger, hatred, envy, a person shows his hostility openly, but does not strive for a clash between the parties, real physical aggression may not be very pronounced.

Hatred can be directed at a specific person; strangers can cause irritation and anger in such a person for no reason. There is a desire to humiliate another person, feeling contempt and hatred for him, but in this way gain the respect of others. He is calm in fights, and if he wins, he remembers the fight with pleasure. He can initially restrain his aggression, and then takes revenge (in various ways: slander, intrigue, physical aggression). In the event of a preponderance of forces and the likelihood of impunity, it can lead to murder. In general, he is hostile towards people;

instrumental aggression- to achieve any significant goal;

brutal aggression- violence and aggression as an end in itself, aggressive actions always exceed the actions of the enemy, are characterized by excessive cruelty and special malice: minimal reason and maximum cruelty. Such people commit especially cruel crimes;

aggression motivated by group solidarity- aggression or even murder is committed as a result of the desire to follow group traditions, to establish oneself in the eyes of one’s group, the desire to gain the approval of one’s group, to show one’s strength, determination, and fearlessness. This type of aggression often occurs in groups of teenagers. Military aggression (actions of military personnel in combat conditions, killing the enemy) is a socially recognized and approved form of aggression motivated by group (or national) solidarity, social traditions of “defense of the fatherland”, “defense of certain ideas” are implemented, for example, defense of democracy, defense of law and order and etc.;

sexual aggression of varying degrees- from sexual incivility to rape or sexual abuse and murder. Freud wrote that the sexuality of most men contains an admixture of aggression, a desire to subjugate, so sadism is simply the isolation and hypertrophy of the aggressive component characteristic of normal sexuality.

Facts of violence in which harm is caused to specific individuals are called aggression. Every day a person either personally or hears from others about how they have been treated poorly.

If we talk about the moral side of this issue, then aggressive behavior is considered bad, evil, unacceptable. But why does a person allow himself to get angry and hurt himself or others?

What is Aggression?

What is aggression? There are many opinions about what aggression is. Some say that aggression is an instinctive reaction and manifestation of a person. Others argue that aggression is caused by frustration - the desire to discharge. Still others point out that aggression is a social phenomenon when a person learns it from others or is influenced by negative past experiences.

In psychology, aggression is understood as destructive behavior in which a person causes physical harm or creates psychological discomfort to other people. Psychiatry views aggression as a person’s desire to protect himself from an unpleasant and traumatic situation. Aggression is also understood as a way of self-affirmation.

Aggressive behavior is considered to be directed towards a living object. However, the psychological help website claims that smashing dishes or walls can soon develop into violence against living beings. Aggression is often equated with rage, anger or anger. However, an aggressive person does not always experience emotions. There are cold-blooded people who become aggressive under the influence of their prejudices, beliefs or views.

What reasons push a person to such behavior? Anger can be directed both at other people and at oneself. The reasons may be different, as well as the forms of manifestation of aggression. Each case is individual. Psychologists note something else: it is important to be able to cope with one’s own aggression, which manifests itself in every person. If someone needs help, they can get it. This is what a psychological help site does, a site where a person can not only read useful information, but also work through his negative aspects, which often interfere with building favorable relationships with others.

Display of aggression

Aggression manifests itself in different ways. Depending on the goal that is achieved by aggressive actions and the methods of the actions committed, aggression can be benign and malignant:

Benign aggression refers to courage, courage, ambition, perseverance, and bravery.
Malignant aggression refers to violence, rudeness, and cruelty.

Every living creature is aggressive. Every organism contains genes that allow it to show aggression for the sake of survival, to save itself from death. Thus, there is defensive aggression, which occurs at the moment of danger. All living beings have it. When a living organism is in danger, it becomes decisive, runs away, attacks, and defends itself.

In contrast to this aggression, there is a destructive one, which is inherent only to humans. It has no meaning or purpose. It arises only on the basis of the emotions, feelings, thoughts of a person who simply did not like something.

There is another manifestation of aggression – pseudo-aggression. It occurs in situations where a person must make every effort to achieve a goal. For example, during competition, athletes become aggressive to give themselves energy and motivation.

A special manifestation of aggression, which is inherent in all living beings, is the desire to survive. When there is not enough food, there is no intimacy, there is no protection, then the body becomes aggressive. Everything is aimed at survival, which often involves infringement of the boundaries and freedom of other living beings.

Anyone can become aggressive. Often the strong provoke the weak, who then also look for weaker individuals in order to take it out on them. There is no defense against aggression. In everyone it manifests itself as a reaction to an external stimulus. Both the one who caused it and the one who simply came into contact can become a victim of aggression.

The manifestation of aggression is an expression of dissatisfaction and dissatisfaction. It can be either open, when a person knocks on the table or constantly nags, or hidden - periodic nagging.

Types of aggression

As we consider aggression, we can distinguish its types:

Physical, when force is used and specific harm is caused to the body.
Indirect, when irritation is expressed towards another person.
Resistance to established laws and morals.
Verbal, when a person verbally shows aggression: screams, threatens, blackmails, etc.
Envy, hatred, resentment for unfulfilled dreams.
Suspicion, which manifests itself in distrust of persons when it seems that they are planning something bad.
Feelings of guilt that arise from the thought that a person is bad.
Direct – spreading gossip.
Directed (there is a goal) and disordered (random passers-by become victims).
Active or passive (“putting spokes in the wheels”).
Auto-aggression is hatred towards oneself.
Heteroaggression – anger is directed towards others: violence, threats, murder, etc.
Instrumental, when aggression is used as a method of achieving a goal.
Reactive, when it manifests itself as a reaction to some external stimulus.
Spontaneous, when it manifests itself without good reason. Often occurs as a consequence of internal phenomena, for example, mental illness.
Motivational (targeted), which is done consciously for the purpose of intentionally causing damage and pain.
Expressive when it manifests itself in facial expressions, gestures, and a person’s voice. His words and actions do not express aggression, but his body position and tone of voice indicate otherwise.

It's human nature to get angry. And the most important question that worries everyone who has become a victim of someone else’s aggression is why they yelled at him, beat him up, etc.? Everyone is concerned about the reasons for aggressive behavior, especially if the aggressor has not explained anything. And how different aggression can be has already been discussed.

Causes of aggression

There are many reasons for aggressive behavior. Aggression can be different and happens in different situations, so you often need to look at the complex of everything that happens in order to understand the motives of a person’s actions.

Substance abuse (alcohol, drugs, etc.). Under the influence of drugs, a person cannot adequately respond to a specific situation.
Personal problems that are associated with dissatisfaction in personal relationships, intimacy, loneliness, etc. Any mention of this problem causes a negative reaction.
Mental traumas of childhood. Developed neurosis against the background of dysfunctional relationships with parents.
Authoritarian and strict education that develops internal aggression.
Watching films and programs where the topic of violence is actively discussed.
Inadequate rest, overwork.

Aggression may be a symptom of a serious illness that is often associated with damage to the brain:

Schizophrenia.
Encephalitis.
Neurasthenia.
Meningitis.
Epileptoid psychopathy, etc.

Public influence should not be excluded. Religious movements, propaganda, racial hatred, morality, images of politicians or strong personalities who are aggressive develop a similar quality in observers.

Often people who cause harm refer to a bad mood or even a mental disorder. In fact, only 12% of all aggressive people are mentally ill. Other individuals show their negative emotions as a result of an incorrect reaction to what is happening, as well as a lack of self-control.

Aggression is noted as a person’s dissatisfaction with life in general or a specific case in particular. Accordingly, the main reason is dissatisfaction, which a person does not eliminate through favorable actions.

Verbal aggression

Almost everyone has encountered this form of aggression. Verbal aggression is the most common and obvious. Firstly, the tone of the speaker’s voice changes: he starts shouting, raises his voice, and makes it ruder. Secondly, the context of what is being said changes.

Psychologists have noted many forms of verbal aggression. In everyday life, a person encounters the following manifestations:

Insults, threats, blackmail.
Slander, spreading gossip.
Silence in response to a person’s questions, refusal to communicate, ignoring cues.
Refusing to defend another person who is being criticized.

The question still remains whether silence is a way of aggression. There is no clear answer here. It all depends on the reasons for the silence of the person who performs this action. If silence occurs with accompanying aggressive emotions, anger, and reluctance to speak because it can be rude, then we are talking about verbal aggression of a passive nature. However, if a person is silent because he did not hear or is not interested in the topic of the conversation, therefore he wants to transfer it to another topic, remains calm and in a friendly mood, then there is no question of any aggression.

Due to the social system and morality, which punishes anyone who shows physical aggression, people are forced to use the only way to express it - words. Open aggression is expressed in specific threats, insults and humiliation of the personality of another. Hidden aggression manifests itself through persecution and pressure on a person, for example, by spreading gossip. Although these types of verbal aggression are unacceptable, a person is not deprived of freedom for them. That's why people continue to use this form as a way of communicating with those with whom they are dissatisfied.

Speech aggression

Let us dwell directly on the verbal form of manifestation of aggression, which is the most common in society. Speech aggression manifests itself in curses, negative assessments (criticism), offensive words, obscene speech, mocking intonation, crude irony, indecent allusions, and a raised voice.

What the aggressor does causes irritation and indignation. Aggression of both the first and second interlocutor arises on the basis of negative emotions that arise immediately or after some time. Some people immediately say what outrages them, others only after a while begin to show their aggression in various ways towards those who humiliated or insulted them.

Often, verbal aggression is a consequence of a person’s hostility towards a certain group of people. For example, low social status can provoke an individual’s hostile attitude towards those with whom he communicates. Such a confrontation is possible both in an ascending hierarchy and in a descending one. For example, hidden aggression is often manifested by subordinates towards the boss and by the boss towards subordinates. Subordinates often feel jealous of the leadership's high position, as well as its commanding tone. A boss may hate his subordinates because he considers them stupid, weak, inferior creatures.

Rarely, the causes of speech aggression are upbringing, mental characteristics, or a breakdown.

Undoubtedly, society is considering the issue of not only extinguishing negative emotions when they arise, but also preventing conflicts with people who show anger. It should be understood that sometimes aggression is acceptable because it helps achieve certain goals, such as suppressing the enemy. However, this method should not be used as a universal one.

Approaches to aggression

Scientists from various fields of science are considering approaches to aggression. For each representative it means something different. The normative approach perceives aggression as destructive behavior that does not correspond to the moral and ethical standards of society. The criminal approach also considers aggression as an act of unlawful behavior that is aimed at causing physical and moral harm to a living object.

The depth psychological approach perceives aggressive behavior as instinctive, inherent in all living beings.
The goal-directed approach perceives aggression as a goal-directed action. From the point of view of goal achievement, evolution, adaptation, appropriation of important resources, dominance.
Schwab and Koeroglow view aggressive behavior as a person's desire to establish the integrity of his life. When it is violated, a person becomes aggressive.
Kaufma views aggression as a way of acquiring resources necessary for life, which is dictated by the natural need for survival.
Erich Fromm viewed aggressive behavior as a desire to dominate and dominate living beings.
Wilson characterized the aggressive nature of a person as the desire to eliminate the actions of another subject who, by his actions, infringes on his freedom or genetic survival.
Matsumoto noted aggression as an act that causes pain and physical or mental harm to another individual.
Shcherbina characterized verbal aggression as a verbal manifestation of feelings, intentions and desires towards another person.
Cognitive theory considers aggression as a way of learning to contact a person with external factors.
Other theories combine the above concepts to understand the nature of aggressive behavior.

Forms of aggression

Erich Fromm identified the following forms of aggression:

Reactive. When a person realizes that his freedom, life, dignity or property is in danger, he becomes aggressive. Here he can defend himself, take revenge, be jealous, envy, be disappointed, etc.
Archaic bloodlust.
Gaming. Sometimes a person just wants to show his dexterity and skills. It is at this moment that he can resort to malicious jokes, mockery, and sarcasm. There is no hatred or anger here. A person is simply playing at something that may irritate his interlocutor.
Compensatory (malignant). It is a manifestation of destructiveness, violence, cruelty, which helps a person make his life complete, not boring, and fulfilling.

A person who becomes aggressive has the following characteristics:

Sensitivity, vulnerability, acute experience of discomfort.
Impulsiveness.
Absent-mindedness, which leads to emotional aggressiveness, and thoughtfulness, which provokes instrumental aggressiveness.
Hostile interpretation of what is happening.

A person is not able to completely get rid of his aggression, because sometimes it is useful and necessary. It is here that he allows himself to show his nature. Only a person who knows how to control his emotions (without suppressing them) is able to live fully. Aggression only rarely becomes constructive compared to those episodes when it is used in full force.

Teenage aggression

Quite often, psychologists note aggression in childhood. It becomes very bright during adolescence. It is this stage that becomes the most emotional. Teenage aggression can manifest itself towards anyone: peers, parents, animals, younger children. A common cause of aggression is self-affirmation. Showing strength in an aggressive manner seems to be a sign of greatness and power.

Adolescent aggression is a deliberate action aimed at causing harm. Remaining frequent are cases where three parties are involved:

The aggressor is a teenager himself.
The victim is the person at whom the teenager’s aggression is directed.
Spectators are people who can become bystanders or provocateurs that cause aggression in a teenager. They do not participate in the process of manifestation of aggression, but only observe what the aggressor and his victim do.

Teenagers of different genders show aggression in the following ways:

The boys tease, trip, fight, and kick.
Girls boycott, gossip, and get offended.

The location and age of the aggressor does not matter, since this emotion manifests itself at any time from an early age.

Psychologists explain teenage aggression by the changes that occur during puberty. A former child who has not yet become an adult is afraid of the future, is not ready for responsibility and independence, and does not know how to control his emotional experiences. Relationships with parents, as well as the influence of the media, play a significant role here.

Here are the following types of aggressive teenagers:

Hyperactive, who grew up in a family where everything was allowed to him.
Touchy, characterized by vulnerability and irritability.
Oppositional defiant, who demonstratively opposes people whom he does not consider his authority.
Aggressive-fearful, in which fears and suspicion are manifested.
Aggressively insensitive, who does not have sympathy or empathy.

Male aggression

Men are often the benchmarks of aggression. It seems that women should not be as aggressive as men. However, this feeling is common to everyone. Male aggression often manifests itself in open form. At the same time, the stronger sex does not experience feelings of guilt and anxiety. For them, this emotion is a kind of companion that helps them achieve goals and form a special model of behavior.

Scientists have put forward a theory that male aggression is a genetic factor. In all centuries, men had to conquer territories and lands, wage wars, protect their families, etc. At the same time, representatives of the weaker sex note this quality, which manifests itself in dominance and leadership, as attractive to them.

A modern man has many reasons why aggression manifests itself in him:

Dissatisfaction with one's social and financial situation.
Lack of culture of behavior.
Lack of self-confidence.
Lack of other forms of manifestation of one’s independence and strength.

In the current situation, when a man is required to be financially wealthy and successful, while there are practically no opportunities to achieve these statuses, the stronger sex has a high level of anxiety. Every time society reminds a man in various ways of how untenable he is. This is often reinforced by an unsettled personal life or lack of sexual relationships with women.

Men are trained to keep their experiences to themselves. However, aggression comes out, which is a consequence of unsettled life. It is difficult for a man to use all his capabilities in a world where he should be cultured and friendly, since anger and rage are often punished.

Women's aggression

Aggression is often associated with masculine behavior. However, women are also prone to dissatisfaction, which simply manifests itself in slightly different forms. Being a weaker creature than a man, a woman tries to express her aggression a little softly. If the victim seems strong or equal in strength, then the woman's aggression is moderate. If we are talking about a child at whom aggression is directed, then the woman may not restrain herself.

Being a more emotional and social creature, a woman is prone to displaying soft or hidden aggression. Women become more aggressive in old age. Psychologists associate this with dementia and negative character deterioration. At the same time, a woman’s satisfaction with her own life remains important. If she is dissatisfied, unhappy, then her internal tension increases.

Often a woman’s aggressiveness is associated with internal tension and emotional outbursts. A woman, no less than a man, is subject to various restrictions and obligations. She must start a family and give birth to children, always be beautiful and kind. If a woman does not have good reasons for kindness, a man for starting a family and having children, or physiological data for achieving beauty, this significantly oppresses her.

The cause of female aggression is often:

Hormonal imbalance.
Mental disorders.
Childhood trauma, hostility towards mother.
Negative experiences with contacts with the opposite sex.

A woman is made dependent on a man from childhood. She must be “married.” And when relationships with the opposite sex do not work out, which is common in modern society, this causes internal tension and dissatisfaction.

Aggression in older people

The most unpleasant and sometimes incomprehensible phenomenon is aggression in older people. Children are raised to “respect their elders” because they are smarter and wiser. Their knowledge helps the world become a better place. However, older people are practically no different from their younger counterparts. Aggression by older people becomes a weak quality that does not inspire respect.

The reason for the aggressiveness of older people is a change in life as a result of social degradation. When a person retires, he loses his previous activity. Here memory decreases, health deteriorates, and the meaning of life is lost. An elderly person feels forgotten, unwanted, lonely. If this is reinforced by a poor existence and lack of interests and hobbies, then the elderly person either becomes depressed or becomes aggressive.

We can call aggression by older people a way of communicating with others, a method of attracting attention to themselves. Here are the following forms of aggression:

The main problem of older people is loneliness, especially after the death of one of the spouses. If children do not pay much attention to the elderly person, then he feels acute loneliness.

Degeneration or infection of brain cells also affects behavior changes at any age. Since these phenomena mostly occur in old age, doctors first rule out brain diseases as the cause of aggression.

Husband's aggression

In love relationships, the most discussed topic is the aggressiveness of husbands. Because women express their despotism differently, flamboyant displays of male aggression become commonplace. The causes of conflicts and quarrels in the family are:

Unequal distribution of responsibilities.
Dissatisfaction with intimate relationships.
Different understandings of the rights and responsibilities of spouses.
Not meeting your needs in relationships.
Unequal contribution of both parties to the relationship.
Lack of significance and value of a person as a partner.
Financial difficulties.
Inability to solve all emerging problems, their accumulation and periodic disputes because of them.

Many problems can cause aggression in a husband, but the most important are social status, financial wealth and sexual satisfaction. If a man is not satisfied in all plans, then he habitually looks for someone to blame - his wife. She is not sexy enough to want, does not inspire him to make money, does not become his support, etc.

A dissatisfied and insecure man begins to find fault, quarrel, point, and command a woman. In this way he tries to normalize his inferior life. If we analyze the situation, it turns out that aggression in husbands arises on the basis of their complexes and inadequacy, and not because of their wives.

The mistake women with aggressive husbands make is that they try to improve the relationship. It is the husbands who must correct the situation, not the women. Here wives make the following mistakes:

They talk about their hopes and fears, which further convinces their husbands that they are weak.
They share their plans, which gives their husbands another reason to criticize them.
They share their successes, expecting their husbands to rejoice at them.
They try to find common topics for conversation, but are faced with silence and coldness.

Treatment of aggression

The treatment of aggression does not mean medicinal elimination of the problem, but psychological one. Only in rare cases are tranquilizers and antidepressants used, which can calm the nervous system. However, a person will never completely get rid of aggressive behavior. Therefore, the treatment of aggression means developing skills to control it and understand the current situation.

If aggression is directed at you, you must understand that you are not obliged to tolerate attacks. Even if we are talking about your husband/wife or children, you still remain a person who has the right to be treated with kindness and care. The situation becomes especially painful when it comes to aggressive behavior of parents towards children. This is a situation in which the victim is almost never able to resist the pressure.

No one is obliged to endure other people's attacks. Therefore, if you become the object of someone’s aggression, you can safely fight back by any means. If you yourself are an aggressor, then this problem is yours personally. Here it is necessary to carry out exercises to eliminate one’s own aggressiveness.

Firstly, the causes of the aggression should be recognized. Nothing happens for nothing. Even mentally ill people have reasons to be aggressive. What moment was the trigger that made you feel angry? After realizing the cause of your negative emotions, you should take steps to change your attitude towards the situation.

The second point is that the reason must be devalued or eliminated. If you need to change your personal attitude towards a situation, then you should do it; If you need to solve a problem (for example, eliminate dissatisfaction), then you should make an effort and be patient.

You should not fight your own aggression, but understand the reasons for its occurrence, since eliminating these reasons allows you to cope with any negative emotions.

Forecast

The result of any emotion is a certain event that becomes decisive. Anything can be a predictor of the consequences of aggression:

In some cases, the question even arises about the life expectancy of the person who enters into conflict. When physical violence occurs in the family or in the company of hooligans, it can result in death.

If a person does not try to control his aggressive impulses, he will face various negative consequences. His environment will consist only of people who should not be trusted. Only an aggressive person can be close to the same aggressor.

The consequences of controlling one's own aggression can be successful. Firstly, a person will not spoil relationships with those who are dear to him. I really want to throw out my emotions and show my character. However, if you understand what the consequences may be, it is better to prevent an undesirable outcome.

Secondly, a person can channel aggression into a constructive direction. You cannot get rid of this emotion, but you can subjugate it. For example, aggression is good when a person is dissatisfied with an unachieved goal. In this case, he wants to make every effort to realize his plans.

If a person cannot cope with his aggression on his own, then he should consult a psychologist. He will help you find the right answers to your questions, as well as develop a behavior strategy that will help you pacify aggression and take the right actions in the right situations.

Unmotivated aggression can arise as a result of a strong shock or a critical situation. However, this symptom may appear out of nowhere, which should alert a person. Unmotivated aggression for no particular reason may indicate the presence of a serious illness.

Aggression as a symptom of a disease

The appearance of unmotivated aggression occurs as a result of certain diseases. These include:

Hyperthyroidism. Increased irritability for no particular reason may indicate problems with hormonal levels. Often this symptom develops in women. Affected people may feel hungry but remain thin. Excessive food consumption does not affect your figure in any way. The disease can be recognized by nervousness, high activity, red skin and excessive sweating.

Excess weight. Fat deposits can provoke the production of estrogen. As a result, there is a negative impact on the psyche, both in women and men. It is enough to get rid of extra pounds - and the unpleasant symptom will go away by itself.

Neurological disorders. Aggression can be a symptom of serious illnesses and lead to... A person gradually loses interest in life and withdraws into himself. In this case, excessive aggressiveness and memory problems are noted. This symptomatology is a serious reason to consult a doctor.

Personality disorders. Unmotivated aggression can be a sign of serious mental problems and even schizophrenia. Most schizophrenics live normal lives, presenting no danger to others. During periods of exacerbation, their aggressiveness increases, which requires psychiatric treatment. Trauma and malignant neoplasms. Mental excitability can be caused by brain damage. Rage and high activity may give way to apathy. All this indicates a serious injury or tumor process.

Often the causes of aggression are hidden in sociopathy, stress disorder or alcohol addiction. The first condition is a character anomaly. A person does not need the company of other people, moreover, he is afraid of them. This is a congenital problem associated with the inferiority of the nervous system. Stress disorder creates a hostile attitude towards others. This happens if a person is constantly in the midst of unpleasant situations. An aggressive state is also typical for people suffering from alcoholism.

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Aggression in men

Unmotivated aggression among representatives of the stronger half can occur due to physiological and psychological characteristics. Increased irritability may indicate chronic diseases, in particular damage to the endocrine system. Nervousness is caused by constant conflicts and stressful situations.

Attacks of aggression can occur due to grumpiness and rudeness. Psychological nervousness can appear as a result of constant lack of sleep, hormonal changes, overwork or depression. The man is dissatisfied with himself and takes his anger out on others. Aggression can also be motivated, namely, associated with noisy neighbors, loud music or TV.

Sometimes even the most non-conflict people lose their temper and take out their anger on others. This is often due to the fact that a person has been accumulating negative emotions for years and simply does not give them a way out. Over time, patience runs out and aggression comes out for no apparent reason. Sometimes one negative sign is enough for a symptom to appear. This could be a loud voice or a sudden movement. The person breaks down instantly and is unable to control himself. It is necessary to monitor your own condition and try to stop aggression in time.

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Aggression in women

The main reason for aggression in women is misunderstanding and powerlessness. This happens when a representative of the fair sex is unable to express herself without the support of others. The absence of a specific plan of action causes an emotional explosion.

Aggression is not dangerous in all cases. Sometimes this is the only way to throw out emotions to activate new strength and energy. However, you should not resort to this all the time. Aggression is a positive phenomenon, but only if it is aimed at solving a specific problem. If this condition is constant and does not bring any relief, family members and relatives fall under the negative influence. In this case, aggression indicates chronic fatigue and can appear as a result of constant noise, an influx of negative emotions and minor troubles. If you do not learn to deal with this condition, there is a risk of developing constant aggression. This entails dissatisfaction with one's own life. As a result, not only the woman herself suffers, but also the people around her.

Motivated aggression can be caused by diseases, lack of communication and constant noise. Often a woman is susceptible to this condition while raising a child. She has a lack of communication and opportunities for self-expression. All these conditions need to be controlled.

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Aggression in children and adolescents

The cause of unmotivated aggression in children can even be the upbringing of parents. Excessive care or, on the contrary, its absence instills certain thoughts and emotions in the child. Dealing with this condition is not so easy, since in adolescence everything is perceived most acutely.

Aggression is based on gender differences in children. Thus, boys reach a special peak of aggressiveness at the age of 14-15 years. For girls, this period begins earlier, at 11 and 13. Aggression can arise as a result of not getting what they want or out of the blue. At this age, children believe that they are right, but their parents do not understand them. The result is aggressiveness, isolation and constant irritability. You shouldn’t put pressure on your child, but waiting until everything goes away on its own is also dangerous.

There are several main reasons why childhood aggression can develop. These include:

indifference or hostility on the part of parents;
loss of emotional connection with loved ones;
lack of respect for the child's needs;
excess or lack of attention;
denial of free space;
lack of opportunities for self-realization.

All this indicates that parents themselves are capable of creating the cause of aggression. The formation of character and personal qualities is carried out in childhood. Lack of proper upbringing is the first path to aggression. In some cases, specialized treatment is required aimed at suppressing negative emotions.

» Theories of Aggression

Why do people behave aggressively? Theories of aggression

The question of why people behave aggressively in general cannot be answered unambiguously. To explain aggressive behavior, very often a number of reasons, conditions and motives are cited that are somehow connected. Anger or pent-up anger, childhood neglect, violent films and computer games, as well as peer pressure or the desire to be seen as "cool" can all obviously explain people's aggressive behavior.

There are also a variety of scientific methods and ways to explain aggressive behavior.

Drive theory: aggression is a “gut instinct”

The concept of “aggression” became popular thanks to psychoanalysis. Joy is the main feeling that governs human behavior. Equally important feelings or drives are the desire for pleasure (libido) and the instinct of destruction or death (destrudo). Suppressing the death instinct, just like suppressing libido, can lead to serious mental disorders. If a person cannot throw out aggression, then it turns against him. From the point of view of psychoanalysis, the forms of such suppressed aggressive (auto-aggressive) actions are diverse. Some people nervously bite their nails, others lose weight before their eyes. There are also cases of suicide. From this theory we can draw the following conclusions: if the instinct of destruction is inherent in a person, then, of course, it should not be suppressed. On the contrary, it must be manifested in its entirety. In addition, a person must learn to control this instinct. Otherwise, it may lead to self-destruction or destruction of the environment.

Instinct theory: aggression for self-preservation

Based on the theory of instincts, which is used in ethology and sociobiology, aggressive behavior can be explained as follows: a person behaves aggressively for the purpose of self-preservation and adaptation to what is happening. One of these theories includes, for example, the “steam boiler theory.” It was first formulated by Konrad Lorenz, who studied human behavior. In his opinion, a person always has free energy that accumulates in his body. If a certain amount of this energy has already accumulated, then it begins to be released in the form of aggression. Thus, for an “explosion to occur”, no special external reason is needed at all. Any trifle is enough to piss a person off. To calm down, many people play sports or chop wood. Of course, one may doubt that such activities actually serve as a release valve and prevent aggressive behavior that causes harm to society. On the contrary: there are many references to the fact that this method of self-soothing (giving vent to emotions) only stimulates aggressive behavior.

The theory of the cause-and-effect relationship between aggression and frustration: aggression as a result of frustration

Other explanations for aggressive behavior involve external factors that are considered secondary in the steam boiler theory. According to the theory of the cause-and-effect relationship between aggression and frustration, aggression is the result of a state of frustration. This condition occurs when a person cannot achieve his goal because he is prevented by a real or imagined obstacle. At the same time, the person feels weak, helpless and exhausted. However, aggression can occur not only as a result of frustration. And, conversely, not every state of frustration entails aggression. Most likely, it occurs if the inhibition of aggression is not strong enough, and there are additional factors that cause aggression.

Learning theory: aggression is learned

According to new research, aggressive behavior can be explained by the fact that a person learns to be aggressive as a child. Children believe that if they behave aggressively, they will be successful. They see that other children and their parents behave aggressively in some situations and because of this they achieve certain results. Therefore, if children think that this way they can achieve the desired results, then they begin to copy this behavior. Based on this theory, it can be argued that the media, especially television, have a great influence on the aggressive behavior of children. However, research shows that this opinion is largely erroneous. Although children tend to imitate certain characters from films, the decisive influence is still the “real people” who surround them and from whom they actually learn something.

Social Cognitive Theory: Aggression is the result of misinformation

Recently, more and more researchers have been working to improve the social-cognitive model that explains the causes of aggressive human behavior. Scientists believe that aggressive behavior is the result of distortions in information processing, which leads to a distorted perception of the situation. In pedagogical and therapeutic practice, the social-cognitive method of analyzing aggressive behavior is the most effective. Using this method, it is possible to specifically diagnose distortions and influence the necessary stimuli in accordance with the stage of human development.

This in itself is unpleasant, not only for those around them who are suddenly plunged into negativity, but also for the aggressors themselves. In fact, among the latter there are not so many clinical scoundrels who derive pleasure from splashing out violent emotions on other people or objects. Normal people are also capable of such outbursts, but they then experience remorse, try to make amends for their guilt and at least try to control themselves. Aggression is especially destructive in men; the reasons may turn out to be so far-fetched and strange that the presence of a problem becomes obvious to all participants in the situation.

Types and types of male aggression

It is worth immediately noting that negative emotions splashing out are not exclusively a male prerogative. Women are just as capable of being aggressors; they do not monitor their actions and words. The paradox is that male aggression is partly considered socially acceptable. Of course, extreme manifestations are condemned, but at the same time there are many justifications for such a phenomenon as aggression in men. The reasons can be very diverse - from competition to health conditions.

There are two main types of aggression that are easily defined even by non-specialists:

verbal, when negativity is expressed in shouting or openly negative language;
physical, when there are beatings, destruction, attempted murder.

With auto-aggression, negativity is directed at oneself and manifests itself in all sorts of destructive actions. The motto of this type of aggression is: “Let it be worse for me.”

Psychologists classify what we are considering into several types according to the following criteria: method of manifestation, direction, causes, degrees of expression. Self-diagnosis in this case is practically impossible, since in most cases the aggressor seeks self-justification, does not see and does not want to see the problem, and successfully shifts the blame to others.

Verbal aggression

The external manifestations of this type of aggression are quite expressive. This may include angry screaming, swearing and cursing. They are often supplemented by gestural expression - a man can make offensive or threatening gestures, shake his fist, or swing his arms. In the animal world, males actively use this particular type of aggression: whoever growls loudest declares himself as the owner of the territory; outright fights come about much less often.

However, verbal aggression in men, the reasons for which can lie both in mental health and in social pressure, is not so harmless. It destroys the psyche of those who are forced to live nearby. Children get used to an abnormal pattern of communication and absorb the pattern of their father’s behavior as the norm.

Physical aggression

An extreme form of aggressive behavior, when a person moves from shouting and threats to active physical actions. Now this is not just a threatening fist swing, but a blow. A man is capable of causing serious injuries even to those closest to him, breaking or breaking personal belongings. Man behaves like Godzilla, and destruction becomes his main goal. It can be either a short explosion, literally just one blow, or a long-term nightmare, which is why aggression in men is considered the most dangerous. The reasons given are varied - from “she provoked me” to “I’m a man, you can’t make me angry.”

When wondering how permissible this is, it is best to take the Criminal Code as a guide. It is written there in black and white that causing bodily harm of varying degrees of severity, attempted murder and intentional damage to personal property are all crimes.

Features of unmotivated male aggression

We can conditionally divide manifestations of rage into motivated and unmotivated. It is possible to understand and partially justify aggression shown in a state of passion. This is often called "righteous anger." If someone offends this man’s loved ones, encroaches on their life and health, then an aggressive response is at least understandable.

The problem is such attacks of aggression in men, the causes of which cannot be calculated at first glance. What came over him? I was just a normal person, and suddenly they changed me! This is roughly what witnesses to sudden unmotivated rage that erupts in any form, verbal or physical, respond to. In fact, any action has a reason, explanation or motive, they just don’t always lie on the surface.

Reasons or excuses?

Where is the line between reasons and justifications? An example is the phenomenon of aggression between men and women. The reasons are often the most common attempts to justify oneself, to shift the blame onto the victim: “Why did she stay late after work? She’s probably cheating, she needs to be shown a place!”, “I didn’t have time to serve dinner, I need to teach a lesson” or “Allows herself to show dissatisfaction, provokes aggression."

Behind such behavior there can be either personal hatred towards a particular person or banal misogyny. If a man seriously considers women to be second-class citizens, then is it surprising that he receives malicious attacks against them?

However, outbursts of aggression may not occur because the man is simply an evil type. In addition to far-fetched excuses, there are also those based on serious factors that can be identified and eliminated.

Hormonal background

A significant proportion of aggressive manifestations are due to hormonal imbalance. Our emotions are largely determined by the ratio of the main hormones; a deficiency or excess can lead not only to violent outbursts, but also to severe depression, a pathological absence of emotions and severe psychiatric problems.

Testosterone is traditionally considered a hormone not only of sexual desire, but also of aggression. Those who are especially harsh are often referred to as “testosterone males.” Chronic deficiency leads to increased dissatisfaction and makes a person predisposed to negative manifestations. Outbursts of aggression in men, the causes of which lie precisely in hormonal imbalance, must be treated. To do this, tests are taken to measure hormone levels, and the disease that led to the disorders is identified. Symptomatic treatment in this case brings only partial relief and cannot be considered complete.

Middle age crisis

If such cases have not been observed before, then sudden aggression in a 35-year-old man can most often be associated with the age of maximalism being left behind, and the man begins to weigh whether all the decisions made were really correct, whether it was a mistake. Literally everything comes into question: is this the right family, is this the right woman, is this the right direction in one’s career? Or maybe it was worth going to another institute and then marrying someone else, or not marrying at all?

Doubts and hesitations, an acute sense of missed opportunities - all this weakens the nervous system, reduces the level of tolerance and sociability. It begins to seem that there is still time to change everything in one jerk. Everyone around seems to have conspired and does not understand this emotional impulse. Well, they can be put in their place by force, since they do not understand good. Fortunately, the midlife crisis passes sooner or later. The main thing is to remember that periods of despondency are normal, but this is not a reason to ruin your life.

Retirement depression

The second round of the age crisis overtakes men after retirement. Women most often endure this period easier - a significant part of everyday worries remains with them. But men who are accustomed to their profession as a central part of their life’s plot begin to feel unnecessary and abandoned. Life stopped, the respect of others turned off along with receiving a pension certificate.

Aggression in men over 50 years of age is closely related to attempts to shift responsibility for a failed life onto others. At the same time, objectively, the man who suddenly caught the demon in the rib is all right, but there is a certain dissatisfaction. At the same time, all sorts of health problems, overwork, lack of sleep can be added - all these factors aggravate the situation. Aggressive attacks begin to seem like a natural reaction to everything that happens.

Psychiatry or psychology?

Who should I go to for help - a psychologist or straight to a psychiatrist? Many men are afraid of their aggressive impulses, fearing, not without reason, that they will do something irreparable. And it is very good that they are able to relatively soberly assess their actions and seek help from professionals. Who deals with such a phenomenon as aggression in men? The causes and treatment are in the department of the psychiatrist exactly until he confirms that according to his profile the patient does not have any problems. This is precisely the correct approach to treatment with such a specialist: you can safely make an appointment without fear that you will be “called crazy.” A psychiatrist is first and foremost a doctor, and he first checks whether the patient’s psyche is affected by some completely physical factors: hormones, old injuries, sleep disturbances. A psychiatrist can recommend a good psychologist if the patient does not have problems that require medication.

The first step to solving the problem

In many ways, the strategy for solving a problem depends on who exactly makes the decision. Aggression in a man... What should a woman do who is next to him, lives in the same house with him, and is raising children together? Yes, of course, you can fight, convince, help, but if the situation develops in such a way that you have to constantly endure assault and risk losing your life, it is better to save yourself and save the children.

The best first step for a man is to admit there is a problem. It’s worth being honest with yourself: aggression is a problem that needs to be dealt with first of all by the aggressor himself, and not by his victims.

Possible consequences of aggression and comprehensive work on oneself

We have to admit that in places of deprivation of liberty there are often prisoners who have precisely this vice - unreasonable aggression in men. Reasons require elimination, but excuses have no force or weight. It is worth pulling yourself together, but not relying only on self-control. If outbursts of rage are repeated, then the reason may lie in a hormonal imbalance. This could be overwork, depressive symptoms, as well as social pressure, an unbearable rhythm of life, age-related changes, or some chronic illnesses. Seeing a doctor is the right step to help you cope with destructive behavior. Separate reasons from excuses, this will help outline the initial plan of action, and soon life will sparkle with new colors.