Nature Vs Nurture Aggression

Aggression in psychology is hard to define, as there are many categories in which aggression falls under. However, overall it can be explained as a variety of behaviours that result in either physical or psychological harm to oneself, others or objects within the environment. Aggression can be explained in a variety of forms, such as physical, verbal, mental and emotional. It has also been separated into two broad categories, ‘impulsive aggression’ where the sole purpose is to cause harm and ‘instrumental aggression’ where the aggression provides a different purpose. Psychologists are intrigued by such behaviour and in order to understand it they have spent a considerable length of time researching aggression in an attempt to explain different …show more content…
Throughout history, psychologists and researchers have aimed to discover the characteristics of aggression, questioning the nature vs nurture theory in order to discover whether aggression is biologically predetermined, a learned behaviour or both. (Geen, 2001) (p8) Biological perspectives in psychology propose that aggression is innate. Sigmund Freud believed in his psychodynamic perspective of the “Thanatos” an instinct for death and the “Eros” an instinct for life. He believed that the “Thanatos” would redirect itself towards others aggressively after a build-up of tension in the body in order to restore the body to its natural state. (Baumeister & Finkel, 2010) (p308) However there is a lack of evidence to substantiate Freud’s theory. While the evolutionary approach as foresaw by Charles Darwin suggests the use of aggression in order to ensure genetic survival. (Baumeister & Finkel, 2010) (p638) However this theory does not consider or explain domestic violence and aggression within the family structure. It is also difficult to confirm due to the length of time required to study its progress, therefore lacking in empirical …show more content…
There is sufficient evidence suggesting a positive correlation between alcohol consumption and aggression. (Exum, 2006) However correlational evidence is not enough to prove that alcohol consumption triggers aggressive behaviour. Giancola (2000) confirms that alcohol consumption aids alcohol-related aggression. The effects of alcohol causes both sexes to behave in a more aggressive manner. It has been the cause for a vast amount of aggressiveness. This is due to the effects of alcohol causing the aggressor to portray a diminished ability to inhibit their aggressive impulses, leading in a decrease of judgement and an increase in impulsiveness. (Giancola, 2000) Laboratory research by Taylor & Chermack (1993) confirm that the quantity of alcohol an individual consumes is related to aggressive behaviour. It was suggested that the behaviour of the aggressor could be regulated by altering cue’s that affect their cognitive processes. (Taylor & Chermack, 1993) This research strengthens the 'anxiolysis-disinhibition' theory, which argues that alcohol reduces anxiety causing individuals to behave more aggressively than they normally would. It states there are ‘cognitive disruptions’ due to alcohol consumption, and that it affects an individual’s perception of anxiety-eliciting cues in social situations. Resulting in undesirable behaviours, such as aggression. Therefore