Aggression-from different sides

Abstract

The discussion about the definition and essence of aggression has been the subject of discussion among scientists for many years. One part of the authors talk about aggression as an "inherent human instinctual phenomenon", the others claim that "aggression is acquired - it is the result of human interaction with the environment, i.e. learned".

The work reflects the understanding and presentation of the concept of aggression by different authors, where aggression is discussed from a social, clinical, psychological, psychiatric, therapeutic point of view. It also provides explanations regarding the difference between the concepts of aggression and aggessiveness.

The definition of aggression described in the paper (by Bass and Dark) is particularly noteworthy for us: "aggression is a reaction that stirs up negative feelings and negative evaluations of people and events." The authors created a research questionnaire for the level of aggression, where the questions were combined into eight sub-scales:

1) physical aggression, which is expressed in the use of physical force against other people;

2) Indirect aggression is aggression that is directed at another person, but not directly, but in a roundabout, hidden, masked way. eg: rumours, evil jokes and aggression, which is not directed at a specific person, but is expressed: by banging fists on the table, tapping feet.

3) Irritability - means a high level of irritation, explosive reactions, readiness for rudeness.

4) Negativism - a form of oppositional behavior, which is usually directed towards  authority, parents, etc.

5) Resentment - this is envy and contempt for the surrounding people, which is conditioned by being offended at the whole world.

6) Jealousy - caution in relation to people, ruthlessness. Relies on the belief that those around you have a tendency to do harm.

7) Verbal aggression - expression of negative feelings in the form of verbal responses. eg: shouting, swearing, threats.

8) Feeling of guilt - expresses a possible certainty that a person considers himself as a bad person, an evil person, and the feeling of guilt is accompanied by a pang of conscience.

This questionnaire is widely used as one of the standardized tools for assessing the level of aggression.