Discuss frustration-agression hypothesis and provide examples
The frustration-aggression hypothesis proposes that when individuals are blocked or hindered from achieving a goal or satisfying a need, they may experience frustration, which in turn can lead to aggression. This aggression could be directed towards the source of frustration or displaced onto others who are not related to the original cause of frustration.
One famous example of the frustration-aggression hypothesis in action is the Stanford prison experiment conducted by psychologist Philip Zimbardo in 1971. In this study, college students were randomly assigned to play the roles of prisoners and guards in a simulated prison environment. The guards quickly became abusive towards the prisoners, despite being instructed not to do so, leading to extreme levels of aggression and violence.
Another example of the frustration-aggression hypothesis can be seen in the context of road rage. When drivers experience frustration due to traffic congestion, road closures, or other obstacles, they may become more prone to acts of aggression, such as honking, yelling, or engaging in reckless driving.
Overall, the frustration-aggression hypothesis highlights the potential link between frustration and aggression, and the importance of identifying and addressing sources of frustration in order to prevent aggressive behavior.