Social psychologists define aggression in a very specific way.According to that definition, which of the following is an example of aggression?
A)A man committing suicide
B)A surgeon drilling into a person's head during brain surgery
C)A child calling her older brother cruel and hurtful names
D)A disgruntled employee fantasising about punching his boss in the face

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Social psychologists define aggression as behavior that is intended to harm another individual who does not want to be harmed. While the other options may involve behavior that causes harm or physical contact, they do not meet the criteria of being intentionally harmful to an unwilling target. Option A involves self-harm, Option B is a medical procedure being done with the patient's consent for their benefit, and option D is a fantasy that has not been acted upon. Option C, on the other hand, is an example of verbal aggression, as the child is intentionally using hurtful language to harm her older brother.

Social Psychologists Define Aggression in a Very Specific Way