Anger, aggression and violence are both important aspects of human experience. Everyone faces these at least at some point in their life. In this blog, we are going to explore more about the different aspects of these. 

Definitions

Anger, and aggression are both intense human emotions that all of us face from time to time. 

Anger n. an emotion characterized by tension and hostility arising from frustration, real or imagined injury by another, or perceived injustice. 

Aggression n. behavior aimed at harming others physically or psychologically. It can be distinguished from anger in that anger is oriented at overcoming the target but not necessarily through harm or destruction. When such behavior is purposively performed with the primary goal of intentional injury or destruction, it is termed hostile aggression. 

Violence the expression of hostility and rage with the intent to injure or damage people or property through physical force. 

Impact on Indians

• 30% of Indian women (ages 18-49) experience physical violence (NFHS-5, 2019-2021).

• 37% of Indian teenagers report experiencing cyberbullying (UNICEF).

• Over 1.5 lakh deaths in road accidents in 2020, with road rage as a factor (Ministry of Road Transport and Highways).

• In 2020, over 300 cases of communal violence were reported in India (NCRB). 

• 50% of school-going children experience bullying (ICMR study).

Psychological Roots of Aggression and Violence

The Biopsychosocial model is the best fitting one to understand the psychological roots of aggression and violence. According to this model, any psychological concern has multiple contributing factors including biological, psychological and social. Each one of them play a role to manifest the disorder. 

According to the biological model, there are areas of Amygdala and prefrontal cortex of the brain that take part in regulating emotions and impulse control. Additionally, hormones like testosterone and cortisol also influence aggressive behaviors. Finally, there are neurotransmitters that also play a role. 

Environmental Influences mark a significant amount of the effect caused psychologically.  Trauma, abuse, or neglect during early development can increase susceptibility to aggressive behavior later in life. Growing up in an environment where aggression is normalized can set behavioral patterns. Major stressors (e.g., job loss, relationship issues) can fuel aggressive responses in those with predisposed tendencies.

Social component of the model stresses on the social correlates like observational learning and media influence. Observing aggressive behaviors in others, especially influential figures, can lead to adopting those behaviors. A lot of times, movies, social media, shows, and online platforms normalize and/ or glamorize aggression and violence in youngsters. 

Aggression and violence are linked to each other beyond doubt. Psychologically speaking, this link of aggression and violence is also related to different disorders and can also be managed. This post covered the basics of aggression and violence psychology. If you would like to know more about it, let us know in the comments section. Also, keep reading APPS Blog for more such amazing content. 

References: 

• National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), 2019-2021. Available through India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare or official NFHS publications.

• UNICEF India Cyberbullying Report (available on UNICEF India’s website). Reports on bullying and online aggression among teenagers, including statistical data.

• Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, Annual Report on Road Accidents in India, 2020. Available on their official website or related government publications.

• National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) Report, 2020. Accessible on the NCRB's official website under “Crime in India” reports, which includes communal violence and other forms of societal aggression.

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) study on bullying prevalence. For detailed statistics, visit ICMR publications or relevant journals in public health and social studies.