Domestic violence and aggression theory

Psychology

Domestic Violence and the Aggression Theory

It makes sense to explain domestic violence through aggression theory, especially the social learning theory of aggression, where aggression is a learned behavior. Studies have shown that children can learn aggressive behaviors by viewing violence on television, in computer games, etc., and this can lead to abusive and violent behavior as the child grows into adulthood. One writer notes, "By modeling the behaviors of TV, movie or video game characters, acts of aggression become increasingly more frequent and violent" (Smith, 1999). This theory does not rely on internal factors contributing to aggressive behavior, but most other theories of aggression do. For example, the frustration-aggression theory relies on an internal drive that makes the individual crave or need aggressive behavior, and this too can apply to domestic violence.

Domestic violence often occurs in families with little hope for the future. (Of course, it can occur in any family situation). Studies have shown that frustration over inability to provide a proper home and care, inability to earn a decent wage, and even substance abuse addictions can lead to domestic violence. This can be directly linked to the frustration-aggression theory. Writer Smith continues, "In this theory, frustration and aggression are linked in a cause and effect relationship. Frustration is the cause of aggression and aggression is the result of frustration" (Smith, 1999). The aggressive behavior may be passed down from parent to child. Studies also indicate that aggressive parenting often produces aggressive children who continue the behavior.