Aggression And Aggression

Aggression is “the intentional behavior aimed at causing physical harm or psychological pain to another person,” (Aronson et al.). Though this is a very concrete definition, many forms of aggression arise subconsciously. Numerous studies have been completed on the effects of viewed aggression or violence and the resulting behavior of the observer. Though subconscious aggression has been found to be a valid reason an individual may lash out, we can see in the social-cognitive learning theory that this may not always be the case. Individuals learn a social behavior, from aggression to altruism, in a large part through observing and imitating other individuals. Cognitive processes such as plans, expectations, and beliefs, are the reason individuals

This could potentially serve as an example to others about what would be considered normative behavior. In a study completed by Fling et al., they found that 4 to 7 year-old children exposed to a violent videogame were more aggressive than the baseline children or the children who were exposed to a non-violent video game. Chambers and Ascione (1987) found that third through eighth graders donated less to a donation box after observing an aggressive videogame as opposed to a prosocial videogame. In a self-report measure, 11 to 14 year old males who played videogames heavily had a lower frustration tolerance. Results by Dominick, Lin, and Lepper, younger children showed more aggression after playing violent videogames, however, some correlational studies have shown that more aggressive children are more drawn to violent videogames. In regards to self-esteem, lower self-esteem may be associated with more frequent videogame play and might increase a sense of mastery, however, is more likely to cause violent behavior. “Surgeon General C. Everett Kopp indicted videogames for being addictive and one of the three main causes of family violence,” (Fling et