catharsis
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The purification of the body by channelling
aggressive urges into more socially desirable
behaviour.
Release of aggressive urges through acceptable
competitive sporting scenarios.
No creditable research to support this.
Some suggestions that watching aggressive
behaviour may increase likliehood of
reproducing that behaviour. E.g. watching a
boxing match. (social learning theory)
Difference between watching and playing
Limitations of instinct theory
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No biological aggressive drive has ever been
identified.
Early human beings were hunter-gatherers, not
warriors
Measuring of cathartic effect has proved difficult.
Some studies do not support that all human
beings are naturally aggressive.
Aggression is seen as a learned response linked
to the human ability to reason.
Frustration aggression hypothesis
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Dollard et al 1939
Linked to drive theory (achievement)
Frustration always leads to aggression
and aggression is always a result of
frustration.
Give me an example in sport
Frustration –Blocking of a goal orientated
behaviour.
Criticism of Frustrationaggression theory
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Whilst initially successful theory has been
found to have little credence in sport
because……..
Not all frustration leads to aggression
Aggression can be a learned response
rather than the result of frustration
Individual differences not taken into
account
Berkowitz’s cue arousal theory
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Combination of frustration-aggression theory
with new social learning approach.
Frustration not sufficient to cause aggression,
need presence of other factors.
Frustration leads to an increase of arousal and
anger. This will only lead to aggression if other
factors are present.
E.g. defender easily beaten might lash out to
prevent a goal if coach has previously accepted
such behaviour.
Social Learning theory
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Bandura 1973
Aggression can be learned…..
through reinforcement.
through observation
Bobo doll experiment