Aggression as Affect Regulation: Extending Catharsis Theory to Evaluate Aggression and Experiential Anger in the Laboratory and Daily Life

Abstract

Two studies examined the predictions of the catharsis theory of aggression, which suggests that aggressing towards the source of frustration should reduce aggressive drive (e.g., anger), and lead to the increased likelihood of future aggression (Hokanson, 1974; Verona & Sullivan, 2008). Across the two studies, predictions from this theory were generally supported. Using a laboratory paradigm, Study 1 found that provoked participants allowed to evaluate the source of frustration reported a nonzero decrease in anger, while individuals who evaluated an unrelated source showed no significant change. Using daily diary methods, Study 2 results demonstrated that individuals who had a decrease in anger following aggression in Study 1 were more likely to aggress on high anger days. In contrast, among individuals who had an increase in anger after aggressing, there was no relationship between daily anger and aggression. Implications for the adaptive aspects of aggression are discussed.