What are the two types of aggression described in humans? How do they relate to the equivalent two types of non-human aggression (predatory vs affective)
The correct answer and explanation is:
The two types of aggression commonly described in humans are instrumental aggression and hostile (or affective) aggression. These correspond closely to the two types of aggression observed in non-human animals, which are predatory aggression and affective aggression.
1. Instrumental Aggression (Human)
- This is goal-oriented, purposeful aggression where harm is inflicted as a means to an end rather than as an emotional reaction.
- For example, a person might use aggression to gain money, status, or control.
- It is often planned and controlled, not driven by anger or emotional arousal.
2. Hostile (Affective) Aggression (Human)
- This aggression is impulsive, emotional, and reactive, often in response to a perceived threat or frustration.
- It’s associated with anger and the goal is to cause harm or express feelings rather than achieve an external goal.
- For example, lashing out physically when provoked or insulted.
Relation to Non-Human Aggression Types
Non-human animal aggression is often categorized as:
- Predatory Aggression: This resembles instrumental aggression. It’s goal-directed, where the animal attacks prey to obtain food. It is usually not accompanied by high emotional arousal or vocalizations. The attack is planned and efficient.
- Affective Aggression: This matches hostile aggression in humans. It is emotional, defensive, or territorial. The animal is usually highly aroused, vocalizes, and the aggression serves to intimidate or defend rather than to kill for food.
Explanation (300 words)
In both humans and animals, aggression can be classified based on its motivation and emotional context. In humans, instrumental aggression is deliberate and goal-oriented. People engage in it when they want to achieve something specific, such as gaining resources or dominance, and the aggressive act is a tool to accomplish that goal. This type of aggression is not necessarily accompanied by anger or hostility; instead, it’s calculated and controlled.
By contrast, hostile or affective aggression in humans is reactive and driven by emotions like anger or fear. It usually arises suddenly in response to provocation, and the primary goal is to harm or retaliate, not to achieve a separate objective. This type of aggression is impulsive and often difficult to control.
When comparing these types to animal aggression, a clear parallel exists. Predatory aggression is seen in animals when they hunt prey. It’s purposeful, efficient, and generally free from emotional display. The predator is focused on capturing and killing prey for survival, similar to how instrumental aggression serves a goal in humans.
On the other hand, affective aggression in animals occurs in contexts like defending territory, protecting offspring, or reacting to threats. It involves high emotional arousal, threatening postures, and vocalizations — much like human hostile aggression.
Understanding these distinctions helps researchers and psychologists study aggression more effectively, developing targeted interventions depending on whether aggression is goal-driven or emotional. It also highlights how some human aggressive behaviors have deep evolutionary roots shared with other species.