Aggression is a complex phenomenon that has been studied for centuries. It is often defined as any behaviour that is intended to harm another person or animal. Aggression can be physical, verbal, or emotional. It can also be direct or indirect.
Confusion often arises between aggression and anger. It should be noted that anger is a natural human emotion experienced when individuals feel threatened, frustrated, or hurt. In contrast, aggression is a behavior intended to harm or injure another person or object. A variety of factors such as anger, frustration, fear, or a desire to control others can drive aggression.
The key difference between anger and aggression is that anger is a feeling, and aggression is a behaviour. Anger is something that we experience internally, while aggression is something that we do externally.
According to Shreya Gupta, Gurugram-based counselling psychologist, aggression can be caused by a variety of factors, including biological, psychological, and social factors. “Biological factors, such as genetics and brain chemistry, can play a role in aggression. Psychological factors such as stress, frustration, and anger, can also lead to aggression,” she says. Social factors, such as exposure to violence in the media or in the home, can also increase the risk of aggression, she adds.
It is important to understand the concept of aggression so what we can develop strategies to prevent it. Through such strategies, we can effectively intervene when aggressive episodes occur, and develop more effective treatment programs to help individuals manage their anger and aggression in a healthy way.
