One of the leading properties deviant behavior is its destructiveness (causing harm, destruction), which, in turn, is generated by aggression directed at others or oneself. Obviously, aggression in one form or another accompanies all types of behavioral deviations and deserves special consideration.

In a broad psychological sense, aggression is understood as a tendency (desire) that manifests itself in real behavior or fantasy, with the aim of subjugating others or dominating them (9). This trend is universal and the term "aggression" itself has a neutral meaning in general. Normally, aggression is defensive in nature and serves survival. It also acts as a source of individual activity. In a broad sense, aggression, not supported by violent or destructive actions, is not regulated by legal norms, although it may not be approved from the point of view of religious and moral norms.

Translated from Latin"aggression" (aggressio) means attack. This negative meaning has become widespread. Currently, aggression is most often identified with negative emotions (for example, anger), negative motives (the desire to harm), with negative attitudes (for example, racial prejudice), and, finally, with destructive actions.

AT scientific literature the term "aggression" is used by different authors in different senses, for example:
any action (or inaction) that harms another person, object or society (R. Baron, D. Richardson, X. Del-gado);
instinctively determined, specific pattern of behavior (Ch. Darwin, K. Lorenz);
manifestation of the attraction to death (3. Freud);
reactions, as a result of which another organism receives painful stimuli (A. Basho);
reaction to frustration (D. Dollard, S. Berkovets);
reaction to stress and the method of discharge (R. Lazarus);
the desire for dominance and self-affirmation (A. Adler);
inner strength confrontation outside forces(F. Allan, R. May).

Thus, aggression as a desire to dominate is a universal motivating tendency. Aggression can be both positive, serving vital interests and survival, and negative, focused on satisfying the aggressive drive itself. Aggression, on the contrary, is the readiness of individuals (groups) to show aggression in the form of actions that cause damage to other people who do not want such treatment.

Aggressive behavior (actions prompted by aggression and aggressiveness) includes: 1) a hostile attitude - the perception by a person of a real or imaginary threat from the situation or other people (ideas, fantasies, mistrust, suspicion); 2) aggressive emotions - anger, resentment, hatred; 3) aggressive actions and violence.

Aggression as a mental reality has specific characteristics: direction, forms of manifestation, intensity.

The purpose of aggression can be both the actual infliction of suffering (harm) to the victim, and the use of aggression as a way to achieve a different goal. In this regard, there are two main types of aggression - hostile and instrumental.

Aggression can be directed at external objects (people or objects) or at oneself (body or personality). External aggression directed at other people is a particular danger to society. A. Bandura, R. Walter call it “asocial aggression” and associate it with actions of a socially destructive nature, as a result of which damage may be done to another person or property, and these acts do not necessarily have to be punishable by law.

At the same time, those forms of aggressive behavior, which are "aimed at insulting or harming another living being who does not want such treatment." Such aggressive-antisocial behavior necessarily includes violence - verbal or physical actions that cause pain. It usually occurs in the background negative emotions aggressor (anger, rage, sadistic pleasure, indifference), and, in turn, causes negative experiences of the victim (fear, humiliation). This behavior is directed by negative motives - to destroy, eliminate, use, harm. At the cognitive level, it is supported by attitudes that confirm the correctness of such behavior (prejudices, myths, beliefs).

At the same time, various forms of aggressive actions are distinguished: 1) direct - indirect (directly directed at an object - displaced towards other objects); 2) verbal - physical (verbal attack - physical attack); 3) specific - symbolic (for example, a fight - conditional gestures).

The most common external manifestations of aggression are: conflict, slander, pressure, coercion, negative evaluation, threats, use physical strength. Latent forms of aggression are expressed in destructive fantasies, withdrawal from contact, inaction with the aim of harming someone, harming oneself and suicide.

We cannot unequivocally determine the internal aggressive tendency of a particular individual, but we can assess the degree and nature of its manifestations - aggressive behavior.

For diagnostic purposes, you can use next scale intensity and direction of aggressive manifestations:
zero level - subnormal aggression - complete absence aggressive actions, even in case of self-defense;
the first level - normal aggression - the absence of aggression in familiar and safe situations; adequate use of aggression in situations of real threat for self-defense; sublimation of aggression in activity and in striving for success; lack of destructiveness;
the second level - moderately defensive aggression - a moderate manifestation of aggression in habitual situations due to an imaginary threat from the surrounding people (without real danger); inadequate use of aggression in critical situations; a small degree of destructiveness, including in the form of self-destruction;
the third level - hypertrophied aggression - high frequency and strength of aggressive reactions even for a small reason; pronounced degree of destruction - danger to others;
the fourth level - brutal aggression - excessively frequent or super-strong aggressive reactions, accompanied by the destruction of objects or violence towards others; this behavior is not adequate to the situation; it poses a high threat to the life of others or the person himself.

One of the most intense and complex aggressive affects, of course, is hatred as the most striking and socially dangerous manifestation of personality intolerance. The most important goal of a person captured by hatred is the destruction of the object of aggression. (Of course, hatred can also be a normal reaction of rage aimed at eliminating a serious danger.) Under certain conditions, hatred and the desire for revenge may be inadequately increased. If they become a stable character setting, we can talk about reaching the level of character psychopathology.

Hatred can also manifest itself in a craving for power, subjugation or humiliation. With more severe forms sadistic inclinations are manifested - the desire to make your object suffer with the pleasure of this. The extreme degree is expressed in the desire for destruction (murder) or in the radical devaluation of everyone and everything. Hatred can also induce suicide, for example, when the Self is identified with a hated object and self-destruction becomes the only way to eliminate it.

Obviously, the experience of aggression by a person does not unambiguously lead to destructive actions. On the other hand, when committing violence, a person can be both in a state of extreme emotional excitement and complete composure. In addition, it is not at all necessary for the aggressor to hate his victim. Many people cause suffering to their loved ones - those to whom they are attached and whom they sincerely love.

To prevent and reduce the level of violence, any society is forced to take special measures. Violence, unlike other forms of aggression, is a deviation that is most strictly regulated by legal norms. The Criminal Code of the Russian Federation in the section "Crimes against the person" contains 33 articles directly related to physical, sexual or psychological violence.

At the same time, public punishment for committed violence itself acts as one of its forms, as a result of which the most effective measures Social control over violence is recognized not by legal, but by cultural and educational mechanisms and institutions that allow a particular individual to realize his aggressive potential in socially acceptable forms of activity. Cultural expressions of aggression include national traditions and group rituals (games, holidays, rituals), sports, business competition. Great value also has a sufficient presence in society good examples, for example, national heroes or cult figures. identifying with folk heroes, people learn universal human values and learn to direct their aggressive energy for good purposes. Sublimation is one of the most valuable individual ways of turning aggression into constructive forms of activity - a mechanism for turning unwanted internal impulses into socially approved achievements and artistic creativity.

In itself, it is unpleasant, and not only to others who are suddenly dipped into negativity, but also to the aggressors themselves. In fact, among the latter there are not so many clinical villains who enjoy splashing violent emotions on other people or objects. Normal people are also capable of such outbursts, but then they experience remorse, try to make amends for their guilt, and at least try to control themselves. Aggression is especially destructive in men, the reasons for this can be so far-fetched and strange that the existence of a problem becomes obvious to all participants in the situation.

Types and types of male aggression

It should be noted right away that negative emotions spilling out are not exclusively a male prerogative. Women are just as capable of being aggressors, they do not follow their actions and words. The paradox is that male aggression is partly considered socially acceptable. Of course, extreme manifestations are condemned, but there are many justifications for such a phenomenon as aggression in men. The reasons can be very diverse - from competition to health conditions.

Two main types of aggression, which are easily identified even by non-specialists:

verbal, when the negative is expressed in a cry or frankly negative vocabulary;
physical, when beatings, destruction, attempted murder take place.

With auto-aggression, the negative is directed at itself, manifesting itself as all kinds of destructive actions. The motto of this type of aggression is: "Let me be worse."

Psychologists classify what we are considering into several types according to the following features: way of manifestation, direction, causes, degree of expression. Self-diagnosis in this case is practically impossible, since in most cases the aggressor seeks self-justification, does not see and does not want to see the problem, and successfully shifts the blame onto others.

Verbal aggression

External manifestations of this type of aggression are quite expressive. It can be a furious cry, curses and curses. Often they are supplemented by gestural expression - a man can make insulting or threatening gestures, shake his fist, and swing. In the animal world, males actively use this type of aggression: who growls louder, then declares himself as the owner of the territory, it comes to outright fights much less often.

However, verbal aggression in men, the causes of which may lie in both mental health, and in the pressure of society, is not so harmless. It destroys the psyche of those who are forced to live nearby. Children get used to the abnormal model of communication, absorb the pattern of paternal behavior as the norm.

physical aggression

An extreme form of aggressive behavior, when a person moves from screams and threats to active physical actions. Now it is not just a threatening swing of the fist, but a blow. A man is capable of causing serious injury to even the closest people, breaking or breaking personal belongings. Man behaves like Godzilla, and destruction becomes his main goal. It can be either a short explosion, literally for one blow, or a nightmare for many hours, which is why aggression in men is considered the most dangerous. The reasons are called very different - from "she provoked me" to "I'm a man, you can't make me angry."

Asking the question of how admissible this is, it is best to take the Criminal Code as a guide. It says in black and white that bodily harm of varying severity, attempted murder and intentional harm to personal property are all crimes.

Features of unmotivated male aggression

It is conditionally possible to divide manifestations of rage into motivated and unmotivated. One can understand and partially justify the aggression shown in the heat of passion. This is often referred to as "righteous anger". If someone offends the relatives of this man, encroaches on their life and health, then the aggressive response is at least understandable.

The problem is such attacks of aggression in men, the causes of which cannot be calculated at a glance. What got into him? just been a normal person, and suddenly how they changed! Witnesses of a sudden unmotivated rage that erupts in any form, verbal or physical, respond approximately like this. In fact, any act has a reason, explanation or motive, but they are not always on the surface.

Reasons or excuses?

Where is the line between reasons and excuses? As an example, we can cite such a phenomenon as the aggression of a man towards a woman. The reasons are often the most common attempts to justify themselves, to shift the blame on the victim: “Why was she late after work? She must be cheating, she needs to be shown a place!” aggression."

Behind such behavior can be both personal hatred for a certain person, and banal misogyny. If a man seriously considers women second-class people, then is it worth being surprised at the vicious attacks against them?

However, outbreaks of aggression can take place not because a man is just an evil type. In addition to far-fetched excuses, there are also serious factors that can be identified and eliminated.

Hormonal background

A significant proportion of aggressive manifestations falls on hormonal imbalance. Our emotions are largely determined by the ratio of the main hormones, a lack or excess can lead not only to violent outbursts, but also to severe depression, to a pathological lack of emotions and severe psychiatric problems.

Testosterone is traditionally considered a hormone not only of sexual desire, but also of aggression. About especially sharp and often they say “testosterone male”. A chronic deficiency leads to an increase in dissatisfaction, makes a person prone to negative manifestations. Outbreaks of aggression in men, the causes of which lie precisely in hormonal imbalances, must be treated. To do this, tests are given for the level of hormones, a disease is detected that has led to violations. Symptomatic treatment in this case brings only partial relief and cannot be considered complete.

Middle age crisis

If such cases were not observed before, then sudden aggression in a 35-year-old man can most often be associated with the age of maximalism being left behind, and the man begins to weigh whether all the decisions made were really correct, whether it was a mistake. Literally everything falls into doubt: is this the family, is this the woman, is the right direction chosen in the career? Or maybe it was worth going to another institute and then marrying another, or not marrying at all?

Doubts and hesitation, a keen sense of missed opportunities - all this shakes nervous system, reduces the level of tolerance and sociability. It begins to seem that there is still time to change everything in one jerk. Everyone around seemed to agree, they do not understand this spiritual impulse. Well, after all, they can be put in their place by force, since they do not understand good. Fortunately, the midlife crisis passes sooner or later. The main thing at the same time is to remember that periods of despondency are normal, but this is not a reason to break your life.

retirement depression

Second turn age crisis catches up with men after retirement. Women most often endure this period easier - a solid part of everyday worries remains with them. But men who are accustomed to their profession as a central part of the life story begin to feel unnecessary, abandoned. Life stopped, the respect of others turned off along with the receipt of a pension certificate.

Aggression in men after 50 is closely related to attempts to shift the responsibility for a failed life onto others. At the same time, objectively, the man who suddenly caught the demon in the rib is all right, but there is a certain dissatisfaction. At the same time, all sorts of health problems, overwork, lack of sleep can be added - all these factors exacerbate the situation. Aggressive attacks begin to seem like a natural reaction to everything that happens.

Psychiatry or psychology?

To whom to go for help - to a psychologist or immediately to a psychiatrist? Many men are afraid of their aggressive impulses, not without reason fearing to do something irreparable. And it is very good that they are able to relatively soberly evaluate their actions and seek help from professionals. Who is involved in such a phenomenon as aggression in men? Causes and treatment are in the department of the psychiatrist exactly until he confirms that according to his profile the patient has no problems. This is precisely the correct approach to treatment by such a specialist: you can safely make an appointment without fear that you will be “dressed as crazy”. A psychiatrist is first and foremost a doctor, and he first checks whether any completely physical factors: hormones, old injuries, sleep disturbance. The psychiatrist may recommend a good psychologist if the patient does not have problems that require medical treatment.

First step to problem solving

In many ways, the strategy for solving a problem depends on who exactly makes this decision. Aggression in a man ... What should a woman who is nearby, lives with him in the same house, brings up common children? Yes, of course, you can fight, convince, help, but if the situation develops in such a way that you have to constantly endure assault and risk losing your life, it is better to save yourself and save your children.

On the part of the man, the best first step is to admit that there is a problem. It is worth being honest with yourself: aggression is a problem that must be dealt with first of all by the aggressor himself, and not by his victims.

Possible consequences of aggression and complex work on oneself

We have to admit that in places of deprivation of liberty there are often prisoners who have precisely this vice - unreasonable aggression in men. Reasons need to be eliminated, but excuses have no power and weight. It is worth taking control of yourself, but not relying only on self-control. If the outbursts of rage are repeated, then the reason may lie in a violation of the hormonal balance. It can be overwork, depressive manifestations, as well as social pressure, an unbearable rhythm of life, age-related changes, some chronic diseases. Seeing a doctor is a sure step to help deal with destructive behavior. Separate the reasons from the excuses, this will help outline the initial plan of action, and soon life will sparkle with new colors.

We are all used to discussing male aggression and how to deal with it. Many are concerned about the problem of the growth of child aggression in our difficult time. Don't women show any aggression? Of course, this is not the case, and women are also quite aggressive, but they often justify their behavior by saying that this is self-defense from aggressive men, fatigue and an unfavorable external environment.

But this is not always female aggression is self-defense. Very often, women go on about their emotions and instead of solving the problem, they simply take out the evil on their husband or children. This leads to the formation of an unfavorable microclimate in the family and can destroy it, as well as become a source of psychological discomfort for children and a source of problems in future socialization.

Why does female aggression occur?

Usually main reason, as well as a consequence of female aggression - misunderstanding and impotence. If a woman feels that she cannot express herself, cannot solve the accumulated problems and does not have any support on the way to solving them, this can provoke an emotional outburst, an outbreak of aggression towards loved ones, for example, her husband or children.

Do not think that this is something out of the ordinary - aggression is a normal reaction of the body, it activates forces and gives energy to solve problems, although not always in a constructive way. Often aggression helps to defend against a threat and overcome an obstacle, but only if its energy is directed in the right direction. But aggression can be a positive phenomenon only if it is aimed at solving a problem and is short-term.

If aggression becomes a constant companion, and it begins to periodically “break loose” on family members, this indicates that such aggression is not constructive. Most likely, its cause is chronic fatigue. This is especially true for residents of megacities - constant noise, a busy rhythm of life, plus minor troubles in the family make a woman constantly captivated by negative emotions that periodically splash out on loved ones.

Another reason for female aggression, especially women who are on parental leave, is the lack of communication and opportunities for self-expression. The woman begins to feel service personnel working for a child and a husband, so he gradually saves negative attitude to them, and sooner or later it may spill out.

Female aggression - the path to loneliness and self-destruction

The main difference between female aggression and male aggression is the absence of direct physical impact.. Men are more likely to act with physical force, while women are more likely to attack emotionally or verbally. Usually, women yell at children, yell at men, rarely break dishes or interior items, and even more rarely beat them physically.

At the same time, most women justify their aggression by unfair treatment of them, lack of money, attention or time. Very often, women use obscene language or phrases like “I would kill you”, “So that you die”, etc. to express their feelings. This does not mean that she is ready to kill physically, rather it is a sign of aggressive impotence.

A woman in this state is weak and vulnerable, because she cannot solve the problem and replaces her solution with a splash of aggression. If a way to solve the problem that led to aggression is not found, such behavior can become habitual and gradually the woman herself, getting used to the discomfort as much as possible, begins to consider her life normal. Aggression becomes the norm of family life. Often children in such families also grow up aggressive.

What are the consequences of a woman's constant aggression? There are many of them, and the first is problems in finding a life partner, as men feel the “aroma of aggression” on a subconscious level. The second is the appearance of wrinkles - “aggression masks”. Thirdly, problems with pressure and cardiovascular system. Therefore, it is necessary by all means to avoid the growth of female aggression.

How to avoid an outburst of aggression

To avoid a surge of aggression, the woman herself needs to control her emotional condition, because no one better than she herself will understand her feelings. If you feel that the tension is increasing, immediately analyze the reasons for this increase. Remember the man satisfied with life, a dirty cup near the computer does not infuriate, if such trifles begin to annoy - you need to take care of your psychological comfort.

The first thing to do is take a break. Perhaps you just did not get enough sleep, tired, a lot of work. Do not be afraid to tell someone about your condition, sometimes you just need to tell your loved ones about your fatigue and ask for help. In addition, you can try to give yourself a couple of pleasant sensations. Ask that no one disturb you in the evening, take a bath, eat, listen to music. You can also take any sedative.

If it seems to you that you cannot realize yourself, this is not a reason to take it out on loved ones, this is an occasion to analyze the reasons, to look for new ways to fulfill your needs. If emotions run high, you need to give them an outlet. At the same time, it is important to remember that family members are not to blame, there is no need to make a fuss, you need to find another way out for emotions, you can run, beat a punching bag, knock out rugs, etc.

How to deal with anger on your own

The inability to cope with one's own emotions is one of the most common reasons for visits to psychologists. But not all women can afford to spend time and money on visiting a specialist, so they try their best to cope with the problem on their own. For such women, several tips have been developed to help put emotions in order.

If anger rolls over, you need to sit down and describe what makes you angry. Most often, anger passes already in the process of description, but if it has not passed, then the sheet with the description can be torn and thrown away, venting the evil on it.

Another way to get rid of aggression is to be alone with nature and just relax a bit.. You can go to the forest, sit in silence, or vice versa shout out. If claims have accumulated against a specific person, for example, a boss, then you can express everything in any form, shout and even kick driftwood, this will help get rid of most of the negativity.

If the husband causes aggression, you should try to inform him about it as correctly as possible. Men are so arranged that they can simply not understand and not notice insults and hints, and then sincerely wonder why a woman is crying and yelling, and from where. Therefore, it is necessary to learn how to talk about everything, gently and culturally communicate your dissatisfaction with your husband and accept his comments also calmly.

And further it's important to see the positive. No need to dwell on the bad, scroll through the insults in your head and look for new reasons for them. It is important to notice the good, praise the husband and children for their actions, enjoy the little things, and soon you will notice that others begin to treat you more favorably and there are fewer reasons for aggression.

» Aggressiveness theories

Why do people behave aggressively? Theories of aggression

The question of why people generally behave aggressively cannot be answered unambiguously. To explain aggressive behavior, it is very common to cite a range of causes, conditions, and motives that are connected in some way. Anger or pent-up anger, lack of care in childhood, films about violence and computer games, as well as pressure from peers or the desire to be in front of everyone, to come across as "cool" - all this can obviously explain the aggressive behavior of people.

There are also a variety of scientific methods and ways to explain aggressive behavior.

Drive Theory: Aggression Is an "Internal Instinct"

The concept of "aggression" became popular thanks to psychoanalysis. Joy is the basic feeling that governs human behavior. Equally important feelings or drives are the desire for pleasure (libido) and the instinct for destruction or death (destrudo). The suppression of the death instinct, just like the suppression of the libido, can lead to serious mental disorders. If a person cannot throw out aggression, then it turns against him. From the point of view of psychoanalysis, the forms of such suppressed aggressive (auto-aggressive) actions are diverse. Some people nervously bite their nails, others lose weight right before their eyes. There are also cases of suicide. From this theory, the following conclusions can be drawn: if the instinct of destruction is inherent in man, then, of course, it should not be suppressed. On the contrary, it must be manifested in its entirety. In addition, a person must learn to control this instinct. Otherwise, it may lead to self-destruction or destruction of the environment.

Instinct theory: aggression for self-preservation

Based on the theory of instincts, which is used in ethology and sociobiology, aggressive behavior can be explained as follows: a person behaves aggressively for the purpose of self-preservation and adaptation to what is happening. One of these theories can be attributed, for example, to the “steam boiler theory”. It was first formulated by Konrad Lorenz, who studied human behavior. In his opinion, a person always has free energy, which accumulates in his body. If a certain amount of this energy has already accumulated, then it begins to be released in the form of aggression. Thus, in order for an “explosion to occur”, some special external occasion is not needed at all. To drive a person out of themselves, any trifle is enough. In order to calm down, many people play sports or chop wood. Of course, one might question whether such activities really act as a "vent valve" and prevent aggressive behavior that is harmful to society. On the contrary: there are many references to the fact that this way of self-soothing (to give vent to emotions) only stimulates aggressive behavior.

The theory of causation of aggression and frustration: aggression as a result of frustration

Other explanations for aggressive behavior involve external factors, which in the theory of "steam boiler" are considered minor. According to the theory of causation of aggression and frustration, aggression is the result of a state of frustration. This state occurs when a person cannot achieve his goal, because he is hindered by a real or imagined obstacle. At the same time, a person feels weak, helpless and exhausted. However, aggression can occur not only as a result of frustration. Conversely, not every state of frustration entails aggression. Most likely, it occurs if the deterrence of aggression is not strong enough, and there are additional factors that cause aggression.

Learning Theory: Aggressions learn

According to new research, aggressive behavior can be explained by the fact that a person is still in childhood learning to be aggressive. Children believe that if they behave aggressively, they will be successful. They see that other children and their parents behave aggressively in some situations and achieve certain results due to this. Therefore, if children think that by doing so they will be able to achieve the desired results, they begin to copy such behavior. Based on this theory, it can be argued that mass media, especially television, render big influence on aggressive behavior in children. However, studies show that this opinion is largely erroneous. Although children tend to imitate certain characters from films, they still have a decisive influence " real people that surround them and from whom they actually learn something.

Social-cognitive theory: aggression is the result of information distortion

AT recent times more and more researchers are working on improving the socio-cognitive model that explains the causes of aggressive human behavior. Scientists proceed from the fact that aggressive behavior is the result of a distortion in information processing, which leads to a distorted perception of the situation. In pedagogical and therapeutic practice, the socio-cognitive method of analyzing aggressive behavior is the most effective. Using this method, it is possible to purposefully diagnose distortions and influence the necessary stimuli in accordance with the stage of human development.