Psychology of Aggression

There is also a lot of theories as to why aggression exists. Some researchers argue that aggression serves an evolutionary function[1]. Men are more likely than women to show aggression.[2] From the perspective of evolutionary psychology, human male aggression, like that in nonhuman primates, likely serves to display dominance over other males, both to protect a mate and to perpetuate the male’s genes. Sexual jealousy is part of male aggression; males endeavour to make sure their mates are not copulating with other males, thus ensuring their own paternity of the female’s offspring. Although aggression provides an obvious evolutionary advantage for men, women also engage in aggression. Women typically display instrumental forms of aggression, with their aggression serving as a means to an end. For example, women may express their aggression covertly, for example, by communication that impairs the social standing of another person. Another theory that explains one of the functions of human aggression is frustration aggression theory[3]. This theory states that when humans are prevented from achieving an important goal, they become frustrated and aggressive.