Aggression

Aggression: Manifestation of Emotions and Behavior

Aggression is any form of behavior aimed at causing physical or psychological harm to oneself, others, or the environment. It is important to understand that aggression itself is not an emotion, but a behavioral manifestation that can be driven by a variety of feelings: anger, fear, frustration, pain. In early‑age children, as described in the article "Aggressive behavior in children", aggression is impulsive and does not intend conscious harm.

Neurobiology of aggression: The "emotional" and "rational" brain

Aggressive behavior results from the complex interaction of two key brain structures:

• Amygdala: Part of the limbic system, our "fear and anger center". It generates fast, impulsive aggressive reactions in response to threat.
• Prefrontal cortex: The "rational" part of the brain responsible for self‑control, evaluating consequences, and inhibiting impulsive urges of the amygdala.

Aggressive behavior occurs when amygdala activity outweighs the inhibitory influence of the prefrontal cortex. This balance can be disrupted by stress, fatigue, hormonal changes (testosterone influence) or certain mental disorders.

Types and causes of aggression

Psychologists distinguish two main types of aggression:

• Impulsive (hot, affective) aggression: A reaction to provocation, intense anger, or fear. It is unplanned and characterized by loss of self‑control.
• Instrumental (cold) aggression: Deliberate, goal‑directed behavior used as a tool to achieve a specific aim (e.g., robbery).

Causes of aggression may include behavioral disorders, consequences of psychological trauma, substance abuse, or reaction to frustration. It is important not to judge but to try to understand which emotion lies behind the aggressive behavior.