Frustration-Aggression Hypothesis

Definition

The frustration-aggression hypothesis is a psychological theory that suggests that frustration, the blocking of goal-oriented behavior, leads to aggression. This hypothesis proposes a causal link between frustration and aggressive behavior.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The frustration-aggression hypothesis was first proposed by psychologists John Dollard, Neal Miller, and their colleagues in 1939.
2. According to the hypothesis, the stronger the frustration, the more likely it is to lead to aggression as a way to overcome the obstacle.
3. Frustration can arise from various sources, such as the thwarting of a goal, the loss of a desired outcome, or the perception of injustice.
4. Displaced aggression can occur when an individual is unable to direct their aggression towards the original source of frustration and instead directs it towards a more accessible target.
5. The frustration-aggression hypothesis has been influential in understanding the relationship between negative emotions and aggressive behavior in various contexts, such as interpersonal conflicts and societal violence.

Review Questions

• Explain the key premise of the frustration-aggression hypothesis and how it relates to the concept of aggression.
  • The frustration-aggression hypothesis posits that frustration, the blocking or interruption of goal-oriented behavior, leads to aggressive behavior as a means to overcome the obstacle. The hypothesis suggests a causal link between the experience of frustration and the subsequent expression of aggression, with the intensity of the frustration directly influencing the likelihood and intensity of the aggressive response.
• Describe the role of displacement in the frustration-aggression hypothesis and how it can influence the expression of aggressive behavior.
  • The frustration-aggression hypothesis also incorporates the concept of displacement, which occurs when an individual is unable to direct their aggression towards the original source of frustration and instead redirects it towards a more accessible or less threatening target. This displacement of aggression can occur when the original source of frustration is too powerful or inaccessible, leading the individual to express their aggression in a different, but still harmful, way.
• Evaluate the limitations and criticisms of the frustration-aggression hypothesis, and discuss how modern psychological research has expanded or refined our understanding of the relationship between frustration and aggression.
  • While the frustration-aggression hypothesis has been influential in understanding the link between negative emotions and aggressive behavior, it has also faced some limitations and criticisms. Researchers have noted that the hypothesis oversimplifies the complex relationship between frustration and aggression, as other factors, such as individual differences, social context, and the availability of alternative coping mechanisms, can also play a significant role in determining the expression of aggression. Modern psychological research has sought to refine and expand the frustration-aggression hypothesis, incorporating insights from fields like social psychology, neuroscience, and developmental psychology to provide a more nuanced understanding of the factors that influence the link between frustration and aggression.

Related terms

Aggression:

Aggressive behavior that is intended to cause harm or injury to another person or object.

Frustration: The feeling of being blocked from achieving a goal or desire, often leading to negative emotions.

Displacement:

The redirection of aggressive behavior towards a target that is less threatening or powerful than the original source of frustration.