Physiological arousal, reactive aggression, and the induction of an incompatible relaxation response

Abstract

This review examines the major cognitive/social approaches to reducing reactive aggression and their interdependency on neural mechanisms associated with arousal. According to psychological theory, physiological arousal serves as a nonspecific energizer of cognitively defined emotions. Physiological models emphasize a bottom-up approach, many higher cortical functions serve to reduce heightened arousal and these reductions are essential before cognitive techniques can modulate aggressive behavior. Higher cortical functions are associated with complex cognitive processes necessary for self-control, anticipating consequences, and behavioral inhibition. Heightened arousal interferes with cognitive performance; disinhibiting aggression and reinforcing behavior that reduces arousal. Studies manipulating empathy, humor and sexual content have demonstrated efficacy of incompatible responses to reduce anger and aggression, but when attributions are negative and arousal high all of these manipulations can increase chances of overt aggression. The incompatible response hypothesis is extended beyond empathy, humor, and sexual arousal to include relaxation techniques for prevention and control of aggression. Cognitive-behavioral therapeutic programs have successfully reduced aggression by combining relaxation, systematic desensitization, and biofeedback with cognitive restructuring and anger management training.