A. Contexts in which aggression occurs:
Player
aggression
Coach
aggression
Live
Spectator aggression
Family
aggression
Media
Transmitted aggression
B. It is hard to define aggression in sport because some
behaviors are acceptable and within the bounds (rules) of the game or
competition. What are the aggression
criteria? It involves harm or
injury; it is directed toward a person; it involves the intent to do harm.
“Game
reasoning” is the term given to describe behaviors that are thought (by some)
to be legitimate in the game or sport but not in other contexts. Most sport psychologists are opposed to game
reasoning.
C. Most aggression in
sport is considered instrumental aggression. This is defined as aggression that occurs as
part of reaching a nonaggressive goal, such as winning the game. That is, very rarely is the end goal to
inflict harm or injury.
D. What are the primary
theories of aggression that have some research support?
1. Frustration-aggression theory. Holds that
blocking of a goal (frustration) always leads to aggression. Holds that aggression is a cathartic way to
reduce the aggressive drive.
2. Social learning theory. Holds that we learn aggression by viewing others who aggress and are rewarded for that aggression.
3. Revised frustration-aggression theory. Holds that
frustration increases arousal and frustration.
Holds that aggression is one possible response to frustration and that
it will occur if there are cues in the environment that indicate that
aggression is appropriate.
Some teams may have norms
that aggression is appropriate and acceptable or some coaches may view
aggression as normative.
4. At times aggression may occur that is not easily explained by
these theories. For example, some
aggression may be “payback” and some may be done so that the player is
perceived as “tough.”
E. Findings on spectators and aggression. Watching violent sports can increase
spectator’s inclination to engage in aggressive behavior. This is particularly true for (a) younger
males, (b) those from disadvantaged backgrounds, and (c) those under the
influence of alcohol.
F. How can aggressive behavior in sport be modified?
1. Participants should understand the situations and cues that
elicit aggression.
2. Participants should learn ways to reduce their arousal,
frustration, and aggressive behavior.
This may have to involve reducing the emphasis on winning. This may also involve clear and consistent
penalties for aggressive behavior (for both players and spectators).
3. Participants should be taught alternate strategies to
aggression.
4. Participants should be engaged in conflict resolution.
Class exercise: Give an example of aggression in sport and a
way to reduce or eliminate that aggression.