4.

causes significant emotional pain and

ABNORMAL BEHAVIOR discomfort (depression, anxiety...)

Defining Abnormal Behavior: There are two primary definitions 5. involves a psychotic episode involving loss of contact
psychologists use to classify behavior as abnormal including: with reality (a rare, severe mental state)

Atypical Behavior: behavior that deviates from the norms of (or to varying degrees, any combination of these five
society -- behavior seen as being different or weird not factors)
necessarily harmful to self or others, just deviant the definition
most people in society use to define a behavior as being abnormal Classifying Mental Disorders Using the DSM-5
-- referred to in the textbook as 'deviance'
In the United States, mental disorders are categorized and
Maladaptive Behavior: behavior that is potentially harmful to diagnosed using the DSM system that is overseen by the American
oneself or to others -- not just physically harmful, but also Psychiatric Association (APA). DSM stands for 'Diagnostic and
emotionally harmful to the well-being of a person or others -- not Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.' In 2013, the APA
necessarily deviant, but definitely potentially harmful -- the released the long awaited fifth edition, the DSM-5 (2013), to
definition most clinicians are concerned about -- they are more replace the previous DSM-IV that had been in used since 1994.
interested in the client's mental and physical well-being than
whether or not a behavior is weird What are the key differences between DSM-IV and DSM-5? The
most significant difference is that the DSM-5 has shifted to a
more dimensional model of diagnosis built on the idea that the
Atypical, Maladaptive or Both?
core symptoms that make up the disorders (like depression,
Behaviors are not necessarily atypical or maladaptive. They can
anxiety, psychosis, mania, irrational thoughts, skewed perceptional
be both. For example, behaviors can be defined as mostly atypical
processes) occur in intensity levels ranging from low to high
(having a conversation with a shoe), both
in everyone. This is in contrast the the more categorical DSM-IV
atypical and maladaptive (dancing naked while standing on an
system that tends to see a person as either having or not having a
overpass railing above North Central Expressway) or primarily
disorder, with little gray area in between. Other DSM-5 differences
maladaptive (a college student drinking an excessive amount of
include a number of category changes for the disorders. For
alcohol at a party).
example, obsessive compulsive disorders were removed from the
anxiety disorder category and given their own category.
Does Abnormal Behavior Always Indicate a Mental Additionally, some new disorders were added to the DSM-5, and
Disorder? some longstanding disorders from previous editions were deleted
Not all forms of abnormal behavior or thinking qualify as mental -- most notably the classic subtypes of schizophrenia were deleted
disorders. The greater majority of persons who engage in from the DSM-5.
abnormal behaviors are not diagnosed with a mental disorder.
It is important for students learning about diagnosing disorders to
Factors that may result in an abnormal behavior being considered understand that diagnosing mental disorders is a fundamentally
as a part of a genuine mental disorder include if the abnormal different task than diagnosing physical illness where there is more
behavior: agreement among physicians as to what constitutes an actual
physical illness. How mental disorders are defined is a constantly
1. is maladaptive (harmful to self or others) evolving process and a subject of great debate among clinicians.
The DSM simply offers the most current view of what constitutes a
2. causes significant social impairment mental disorder, and may change in the future. Students should
take the DSM for what it is...simply a guideline for clinicians tasked
3. causes significant occupational impairment (work or with diagnosing people struggling with forms of mental disorder.
academic struggles)
The following includes a sampling of many of the categories and Specific Phobia: intense irrational fear of an object,
disorders included in the DSM-5. Not all categories are included. creature or specific situation (snakes, spiders, heights,
Some of the disorder categories included in the DSM-5 but not enclosed spaces, air travel are examples).
represented here include:
Agoraphobia: intense, irrational fear of being in a public
Neurodevelopmental Disorders (Autism Spectrum Disorder, situation where a tragic event may occur from which the
ADHD...) person might not escape or may embarrassed by
overreacting (will not go to the movies for fear the theater
Elimination Disorders (Enuresis aka 'bedwetting,' Encopresis will catch fire and will be trapped or trampled to death in a
aka 'incontinence'...) panic). Often does not leave home due to fears. Also can be
diagnosed with or without panic disorder described above.
Sleep-Wake Disorders (Insomnia, Narcolepsy, Restless Legs
Syndrome...) Social Anxiety Disorder (aka 'Social Phobia'): intense,
irrational fear of being evaluated (or 'judged') by others in social
Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders (substances situations. Intense fear that how a person talks, looks or acts is
abuse / dependence of all kinds) being negatively evaluated by others (including strangers). Will
leave home, but either avoids public places were people are
Neurocognitive Disorders (Delirium, Dementias including present (due to fears of being negatively evaluated), or endures
Alzheimer's Disease...) intense anxiety when forced to be in the presence of others.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): intense worry and

anxiety about everything (money, work, health, relationships...),
not just one specific thing. Intense worry about bad things
happening in the future for which there is no real conclusive
Anxiety Disorders: disorders involving high levels of negative evidence.
emotions such as fear, nervousness and dread. In many cases,
the fear and worry are irrational in that the person magnifies a Separation Anxiety Disorder: developmentally
small stressor into a major threat, or mentally creates a threat age inappropriate (beyond early childhood years) intense fear and
where none actually exists. The person may attempt to cope with anxiety concerning being separated from persons to whom the
the negative emotions using an ineffective or maladaptive individual is emotionally attached. Intense distress when
methods. The disturbance does not involve a psychotic loss of anticipating separation, about unforeseen events (disasters, injury,
contact with reality. Anxiety disorders include: death) that would cause separation, fear of being alone or leaving
home without attachment figure, distressing dreams of
Panic Disorder: repeated panic attacks (pounding heart, separation.
shortness of breath, trembling, chest pain, nausea...),
overwhelming fear response that something terrible is happening Selective Mutism: failure to speak and engage in expected
or about to happen resulting from a minor threat, or in the verbal interaction in less familiar or anxiety-provoking situations
absence of a threatening stimulus. Can be diagnosed with or (school, social events) in spite of the ability to speak at home and
without Agoraphobia described below. in other comfortable, familiar situations. High anxiety when
expected to speak in the presence of others. Typically affects
Phobias: intense, irrational fears that dominate a persons life on children more than adults. Failure to speak interferes with
many levels. Examples include: academic or occupational achievement, or forming of social
relationships.
Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders: disorders military combat, surviving fatal car wreck) to significant
involving an anxiety-based obsessions (fixations) on things ranging emotional / physical neglect or abuse as a child. While stress
from personal safety, orderliness, cleanliness, physical reactions to stressful events are normal and vary from person to
appearance, to control over objects / possessions, or person, a trauma/stress disorder may be indicated if the person's
involving compulsions or ritualized behaviors the person feels stress reaction is considerably more extreme or prolonged
compelled much perform. Obsessive-compulsive disorders compared to how others typically react, and/or causes persistent
include: impairment in social, occupational or daily functioning. Trauma-
and Stressor-Related disorders include:
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): intense anxiety
resulting from obsessions(uncontrollable, repeating thoughts like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): person has lived
the inability to stop thinking about the precise order of clothes through a life-threatening traumatic event (rape, combat, plane
hanging in the closet) and/or compulsions (ritualized behaviors crash, terrorist attack, mass shooting, tornado/hurricane) in which
that are uncontrollable, repeating and unwanted like constant the person thought he/she would die, or witnessed the death of
hand washing, lock checking, cleaning and straightening). another person(s). Following exposure to the event the person is
Obsessions / compulsions are time-consuming and cause is disabled by repeated, unwanted thoughts, dreams and
impairment in social, occupational or daily functioning. flashbacks of the event, extreme avoidance of reminders of the
event, numbed emotions, jumpy, unable to sleep for fear the event
Body Dysmorphic Disorder: obsession with an imagined will occur again. Obsession with the event causes significant
physical defect in the appearance of a normal-appearing impairment in social, occupational and/or daily functioning.
person. Person believes he/she has a facial/body feature that is Symptoms persist for at least 1 month or longer.
grotesque, and disturbing for self and others to see. Others do not
share the persons perception. Causes impairment in social, Acute Stress Disorder: same general cause and symptom
occupational or daily functioning. profile as PTSD, with symptom duration of at least 3 days but not
longer than 1 month (hence 'acute').
Hoarding Disorder: difficulty discarding possessions
(regardless of their value) resulting in accumulation of large Adjustment Disorder: may occur when a person experiences
volume of items that clutter living area. Belief all possessions a 'normal' life stressor (loss of job, divorce, death of loved one) and
must be saved, and distress when confronted with discarding has a significant level of difficulty coping with the eventby reacting
items. Hoarding causes significant impairment in social, to the event in a manner that is more extreme and/or
occupational or daily functioning. prolonged compared to others. Problems adjusting to the change
brought by event, causes minor to moderate impairment in social /
Trichotillomania: frequent, recurrent pulling out of one's own occupational functioning. Not long-term -- symptoms do not
hair resulting in hair loss. Hair pulling can be from the scalp, persist longer than 6 months. Symptoms not caused by another
eyebrows, eyelashes, or other area. Distress at failure to stop hair disorder driven by anxiety, depression, psychosis. Good prognosis
pulling. Causes impairment in social, occupational or daily for recovery. Therapists may give this diagnosis to patients so
functioning. they can have some disorder worthy of insurance company
reimbursement for treatment.
Excoriation Disorder: recurrent picking of the skin resulting in
skin abrasions or lesions, attempts to stop picking skin, and causes Reactive Attachment Disorder: a consistent pattern of
impairment in social, occupational or daily functioning. emotional / behavioral withdrawal from adult caregiver(s).
Absence of normal caring bonds with caregiver(s). Child does not
seek emotional comfort when stressed and does not respond to
Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders: disorders
comfort when offered. Lack of social response to others. Limited
involving exposure to to a stressful event or situation ranging from
positive emotions. Frequent irritability or fearfulness toward
typical life stressors (relationship conflicts, occupational struggles)
to life-threatening stressors (natural disasters, terrorist attacks,
caregiver(s) or others. Evidence the child has experienced groups: general physical, gastrointestinal, neurological,
significant neglect or insufficient social and/or physical care. sexual/reproductive symptoms. Believed to be psychological in
nature and somewhat rare in occurrence.
Disinhibition Social Engagement Disorder: a pattern of
behavior in which a child indiscriminately approaches and interacts
with adult strangers in an overly friendly manner without normal Dissociative Disorders: disorders involving a sudden change
inhibitions related to not knowing the person. Child does not show in memory or identity with no apparent physical cause to
a difference in emotional bonds with caregiver(s) and adult dissociate means to separate from -- persons with dissociative
strangers. Child may wander off and/or show no distress if lost disorders have likely suffered a deep psychological trauma it is
from his or her caregiver(s). Evidence the child has experienced assumed that their minds have unconsciously separated from the
significant neglect or insufficient social and/or physical care, pain of the trauma either in the form of amnesia or loss of identity
especially during infancy. Child must be 9 months or older. -- dissociative disorders include:

Dissociative Identity Disorder (formerly Multiple Personality

Somatoform Disorders: disorders involving symptoms of Disorder): two or more distinct personality states that
physical health problems or an irrational fear regarding physical alternatively take control of the persons life. As you will read in
health with no apparent physical cause -- in each case, medical the text, very controversial disorder. Most who believe it is an
evaluation cannot determine an actual physical cause -- therefore, actual, real disorder think the occurrence is rare. Many clinicians
a psychological cause may be presumed -- no loss of contact with dont believe it actually exists, believing it to be either the
reality -- somatoform disorders include: misdiagnosis of another problem or an attention seeking device for
the patient.
Conversion Disorder: the person converts an emotional
trauma into a major physical symptom like blindness, deafness or Dissociative Amnesia: significant memory loss that cannot be
paralysis as a result of an emotional trauma. Not faking or explained by a physical cause or trauma. Believed to result from
consciously making the symptom. In theory, an unconscious extreme psychological trauma. Also know as repressed memory
defense mechanism is at work. Rare occurrence. syndrome. Occurrence is believed to be generally rare.

Hypochondriasis: intense anxiety resulting from the Dissociative Fugue: sudden, distinct loss of identity and
misinterpretation of small, common physical problems as inability to recall ones past resulting in wandering travel away
conclusive evidence of a serious, even life-threatening from ones home and creation of a new identity. Not consciously
illness. Intense fear of being affected by physical illness. Belief of controlled. Occurrence believed to be very rare.
serious illness continues in spite of medical evidence indicating no
illness. Commonly know as a hypochondriac. More common
occurrence. Mood Disorders: disorders involving an extreme of a normal
mood state -- that is, when the normal moods of happy or sad
become so extreme they become maladaptive -- mood disorders
Somatoform Pain Disorder: intense, physical pain that differ from simple normal changes in mood in that they involve
cannon be explained by a genuine physical cause (like nerve symptoms that:
damage, infection). Believed to be psychological in nature and
somewhat rare in occurrence. 1. are much more severe than normal mood changes

Somatization Disorder: an unexplained variety of 2. cause significant impairment of functioning

physiological symptoms that do not characteristically fit the
pattern of any common physical illness or disorder. Must have at 3. often have no specific cause such as a psychosocial
least one or more symptoms from each of the following symptom event like death of a relative
 4. are persistent and more enduring than normal mood course of several days/weeks).
changes
Symptoms of a manic episode include:
Note that in the DSM-IV, major depressive and bipolar disorders
were included in the same category called 'mood disorder,' but are 1. dramatically elevated, euphoric mood or irritable mood
now appear in their own separate chapters in the DSM-5
2. highly inflated self-esteem (belief one can do anything
The two major DSM-IV mood disorders include: without any chance of failure)

Major Depression: Depression that is long-term, considerably 3. decreased need for sleep (maybe only a few hours every
debilitating, and not caused by drugs or other organic cause. couple of days)

Symptoms include: 4. extremely talkative, much more than usual

1. sad mood 5. racing thoughts

2. loss of pleasure in usual activities 6. easily distracted, unable to focus attention

3. insomnia or hypersomnia 7. increased goal directed behavior (like abruptly deciding

to put a new roof on the house and be finished in one
4. appetite/weight change day while working solo)

5. excessive guilt/worthlessness 8. involvement in pleasurable activities that have painful

consequences (like spending sprees, multiple,
6. problems concentrating indiscriminate sexual acts)

7. loss of energy Again, symptoms must be severe enough to cause marked

impairment in social/occupational functioning or to necessitate
8. psychomotor retardation/agitation hospitalization to prevent harm to self/others. Person must have a
minimum of four of the symptoms noted above and must include
9. thoughts of death or suicide, a suicide plan or suicide symptom #1.
attempt

Schizophrenia: the major form of psychosis (loss of reality)

Person must have at least five of the symptoms above and must diagnosed -- along with bipolar disorder and major depression is
included either symptom #1 or #2 or both as a part of the one of the three major mental disorders -- affects just over 1% of
minimum of five. The symptoms must be severe enough to cause the population -- happens most commonly between the ages of 15
marked impairment in social/occupational functioning or to and 45 -- onset typically in the late teens to mid 20s
necessitate hospitalization to prevent harm to self/others. -- considered to be a biologically based brain disease -- may
be triggered or made worse by stressful situations.
Bipolar Disorder: Formerly called manic-depression
diagnosis requires the person experience at least one full-blown Three General Characteristics of Schizophrenia:
manic episode and will also likely (but not necessarily) involve a
shift from mania to a full-blown depressive episode -- person often 1. Severe distortions of thinking, perception and mood
will fluctuate between episodes of mania and depression (over the resulting in loss of contact with reality including:
 Delusions: False beliefs true belief in weird or unusual
things -- often either paranoid, grandiose or bizarre in
nature Common Myths About Schizophrenia:

Hallucinations: False sensory experiences they actually 1. All schizophrenics are violent and dangerous -- not true --
hear or see things that are not there -- most commonly some may be but most are so withdrawn they aren't violent.
auditory, but also visual or even tactile
2. Schizophrenics are fine until, one day, they just snap
Loose Associations: illogical thinking seen in jumbled, -- not true -- symptoms develop gradually over many
confusing speech that jumps from one topic to another months if not years.
during the course of one sentence and is offen referred to as
"word salad" 3. Schizophrenia and DID or multiple personality are the
same thing -- not true -- diagnosed in two separate
2. Social withdrawal -- all schizophrenics are to some categories -- schizophrenia is a form of psychosis, DID is not
degree cognitively withdrawn from others and many
become physically withdrawn from others also

3. Deterioration from a previous level of functioning -- Personality Disorders: disorders involving long-term patterns
schizophrenia happens to persons who have developed of maladaptive behavior seen in interactions with others.
at least into the early stages of adulthood -- that is, it
does not happen to children -- it is not a developmental Personality disorders differ from other disorders in that they:
disorder.
1. do not have as a root cause anxiety, depression, mania,
Types of Schizophrenia (3 of 5 common types): or psychosis

Disorganized Type: fits the common stereotype of a "crazy 2. are persistent symptoms don't come & go like some
person" -- disorganized, purposeless, or bizarre behavior -- other disorders
incoherence -- silly or inappropriate mood delusions (non-
paranoid) -- hallucinations (non-paranoid) 3. are generally not treated with medication

Paranoid Type: system of paranoid delusions often a complex 4. are considered by many to be learned faulty patterns of
web of false beliefs involving being spied on or conspired against dealing with life situations
by others -- auditory or visual hallucinations often paranoid in
nature -- otherwise "normal" in other behaviors, for 5. are often difficult to treat with psychotherapy -- person
example does notshow extremely disorganized behavior, thinks the problem is with everyone but them
incoherence, jumbled speech, or catatonia -- most common type
accounting for about 50% of all cases of schizophrenia Note: When reading the examples below, keep in mind that from
time to time, just about anybody could have the symptoms of
Catatonic Type: extreme social withdrawal -- does not react to these personality disorders as they involve some fairly common
others or things in environment -- in a stupor or zombie-like state human behaviors. However, also keep in mind that a person will
-- often shows rigid, bizarre body postures -- most rare type -- most only be diagnosed with a personality disorder if the symptoms are
severe type often does not respond to medication. clearly extreme and in excess of what most people
experience. That is, when the symptoms become a way of life
and significantly interfere with a persons daily, social and
occupational life. So even though it may be fun, avoid the
temptation to diagnose all of your friends and relatives! perfectionist, must do things his/her way, total control freak,
doesnt let others do their part on a task even when capable, may
Some Personality Disorder examples include: hoard objects or money in order to gain a sense of control over
such items.
Histrionic Personality Disorder: neurotic attention seeking
behavior, highly dramatic, upset if not center of attention in a Dependent Personality Disorder: dependent on others for
group, often acts and dresses in shocking ways meant to draw happiness and decision-making, often will volunteer to do
attention. unpleasant tasks just so others will still like him/her, goes along
with others even when theyre wrong for fear of rejection, fears
Narcissistic Personality Disorder: falsely inflated sense of self, abandonment, uncomfortable being alone, easily hurt by criticism.
thinks self superior to others and therefore should receive special
treatment in life, self-absorbed, unable to understand the feelings
and rights of others. A General Distinction Regarding Categorizing of Sexual
Behavior
Anti-social Personality Disorder: consistently violates the Variant Sexual Behavior: Variant sexual behavior is behavior
rights of others with no guilt or remorse for doing so, will lie, cheat, that in some way is not common or deviates from the norms of
steal and not feel sorry, often physically violent, no regard for society. These behaviors may or may not be classified in the DSM-
lawful behavior, often engaged in high risk behaviors (speeding, IV as a legitimate mental disorder. For example, pedophilia
gun shooting), impulsive and un able to maintain consistent work, (preference for sex with children in fantasy and/or act) is
evidence of unusually cruel abusive behavior in childhood and maladaptive, atypical, a crime, and a legitimate DSM-IV
adolescent years. Keep in mind that when psychologists say anti- disorder. On the other hand, homosexuality (same sex orientation)
social, they are not referring to someone who is a loner or hermit is considered to be atypical as it is not the statistical norm, but is
(like Schizoid Personality Disorder described below) but rather not classified in the DSM-IV as a disorder. Variant sexual behavior
someone who behaves in ways that are against society. may be divided into either:

Borderline Personality Disorder: highly unstable in personal Atypical/Maladaptive Sexual Behavior -- deviates from norms
relationships, in relationships, vacillates from over-idealization of society and is harmful to that person or to others (pedophilia,
(I LOVE you!) to brutal hostility (I HATEyou!) and then to fear of sexual sadism/masochism, rape).
abandonment (DONT leave me!), can be violent but generally
less than anti-social types, has some sense of conscience, chronic Atypical Sexual Behavior -- deviates from norms of society but
feelings that life has no meaning or purpose, may engage in is not inherently harmful to person or to others is simply different
attention seeking self mutilation or manipulative suicide attempts. from the norm (homosexuality, fetishism).

Schizoid Personality Disorder: extreme loner, wants no friends

or relations including sexual relations, seeks solitary life-style, Sexual Disorders: sexual disorders currently included in the
avoids eye contact with others, has no outward expression of DSM-IV as actual disorders are divided into two groups:
emotion, cold, flat and non-reactive, just wants to be left alone.
Sexual Dysfunctions: problems in ability to perform sexually,
Paranoid Personality Disorder: thinks others are trying to desire for sex, sexual arousal, inability to achieve orgasm, or pain
purposefully make life difficult, often interprets casual non- during sex. Some examples include:
threatening remarks from others as insults, often questions
without sufficient cause the loyalty and fidelity of friends and Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: extremely low or no
spouses, but does not have true psychotic intensity paranoid interest in sex at all.
delusions like a paranoid schizophrenic would.
Sexual Aversion Disorder: extreme aversion to sex, totally
Obsessive-compulsive Personality Disorder: extreme repulsed by mere thoughts of sex.
Female Sexual Arousal Disorder: failure to attain the Frotteurism: sexual arousal and gratification dependent on
lubrication-swelling response of sexual excitement. rubbing ones genitals against the legs or buttocks of an
unsuspecting, nonconsenting stranger in a crowded situation.
Male Erectile Disorder: inability to attain or maintain an
erection until completion of sexual activity. Transvestic Fetishism: sexual arousal and gratification dependent
on dressing up in the clothing of the opposite sex. Person does not
Inhibited Male/Female Orgasm: desire for sex, ability to necessarily want to become the other sex as in gender identity
become aroused, but no ability to reach sexual climax. disorder or transsexualism, nor dresses up for entertainment
purposes as a drag queen, but only cross-dresses for sexual
Premature Ejaculation: this is a quote from the DSM: arousal.
Persistent or recurrent ejaculation with minimal sexual stimulation
or before, upon, or shortly after penetration and before the
person wishes it. Not a funny disorder, but a funny way of
describing it!

Dyspareunia: ongoing genital pain in a male or female either

before, during or after sexual activity (taking all factors into
account). AGRESSION
In psychology, the term aggression refers to a range of behaviors
Sexual Paraphilias: when an individual requires some unusual that can result in both physical and psychological harm to oneself,
object, situation, or ritual to achieve sexual arousal and other or objects in the environment. This type of social interaction
pleasure. Some examples include: centers on harming another person, either physically or mentally.

Sexual Sadism: sexual arousal and gratification dependent on The expression of aggression can occur in a number of ways
beating, humiliating and inflicting pain on another person during including verbally, mentally and physically. Psychologists
sex. distinguish between different forms of aggression, different
purposes of aggression and different types of aggression.
Sexual Masochism: sexual arousal and gratification dependent on
being beaten, humiliated and receiving pain from another person Forms of Aggression
during sex.
Aggression can take a variety of forms, including:
Pedophilia: sexual arousal and gratification dependent on
fantasies of or actually having sex with children.
Physical
Fetishism: sexual arousal and gratification dependent on the
presence of an inanimate object for example undergarments or Verbal
leather but could be just about anything.
Mental
Exhibitionism: sexual arousal and gratification dependent on
exposing ones genitals to an unsuspecting stranger. Emotional

Voyeurism: sexual arousal and gratification dependent on While we often think of aggression as purely in physical forms such
observing unsuspecting persons either disrobing, naked or in as hitting or pushing, psychological aggression can also be very
sexual activity (peeping tom). damaging. Intimidating or verbally berating another person, for
example, are examples of verbal, mental and emotional 2. Instrumental Aggression
aggression.
Instrumental aggression, also known as predatory aggression,
Purposes of Aggression is marked by behaviors that are intended to achieve a larger goal.
Instrumental aggression is often carefully planned and usually
Aggression can also serve a number of different purposes: exists as a means to an end.

To express anger or hostility Hurting another person in a robbery or car-jacking is an example of

this type of aggression. The aggressors goal is to obtain money or
To assert dominance a vehicle, and harming another individual is the means to achieve
that aim.
To intimidate or threaten
Factors Than Can Influence Aggression
To achieve a goal
Researchers have suggested that individual who engage in
To express possession affective aggression, defined as aggression that is unplanned and
uncontrolled, tend to have lower IQs than people who display
predatory aggression. Predatory aggression is defined as
A response to fear
aggression that is controlled, planned and goal-oriented.
A reaction to pain
A number of different factors can influence the expression of
aggression. Biological factors can play a role. Men are more likely
To compete with others than women to engage in physical aggression. While researchers
have found that women are less likely to engage in physical
Two Types of Aggression aggression, they also suggest that women do use non-physical
forms such as verbal aggression, relational aggression, and social
Psychologists also distinguish between two different types of rejection.
aggression:
Environmental factors also play a role, including how people were
1. Impulsive Aggression raised.

Impulsive aggression, also known as affective aggression, is People who grow up witnessing more forms of aggression are more
characterized by strong emotions, usually anger. This form of likely to believe that such violence and hostility are socially
aggression is not planned and often takes place in the heat of the acceptable. Bandura's famous Bobo doll experiment demonstrated
moment. that observation can also play a role in how aggression is learned.
Children who watched a video clip where an adult model behaved
When another car cuts you off in traffic and you begin yelling and aggressively toward a Bobo doll were more likely to imitate those
berating the other driver, you are experiencing impulsive actions when given the opportunity.
aggression.