Perspectives on the Causes of Violence: The Social Psychological (From Insights Into Violence in Contemporary Canadian Society, P 85-92, 1987, James M MacLatchie, ed. -- See NCJ-122437)

• NCJ Number: 122443
• Author(s): B Rule
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 8 pages
• Sale Source: John Howard Soc of Canada
• Publication Type: Research (Theoretical)
• Language: English
• Country: Canada
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

This paper reviews the learning models that focus on external factors in aggression, discusses the role of internal factors in aggression, addresses the multi-determinate nature of aggression, and draws implications of these conceptions for the control of aggression.

Abstract

The social learning perspective, supported by impressive empirical evidence, indicates that persons learn violent behavior through role modeling. Children of violent parents are more likely to attack their siblings, and lack of punishment teaches them that aggression is an effective response. Internal conditions also promote aggression. These include attitudes, cognition, and emotions such as anger. Empirical evidence indicates that people's conceptions of aggression affect their interpretations after viewing violence on television or reading about it in news accounts. Arousal also influences aggression. This may include frustration perceived as due to another's intentional efforts, vigorous exercise, stimulating drugs, loud noise, hot temperatures, or exposure to erotic materials. Regarding reduction in aggression, social learning analyses indicate that external control is effective. Also, rewards for alternative nonviolent responses can help reduce aggression, and if people are aroused by a variety of factors in their environment, it is possible for them to learn that alternative responses to this arousal can occur.