Question

Compare and contrast the hostile and instrumental aggression.

Answer 1

Hostile aggressiveness occurs when someone detects a danger or insult and responds aggressively. In addition to the intention to attain a goal, hurtful behavior is unplanned, reactionary, impulsive, and motivated by deep emotions. Aggressors often feel a loss of control during outbursts and exhibit physiological hyperarousal. Also known as reactive aggression.

Instrumental aggressiveness refers to using aggression as a strategy to obtain an advantage or win, rather than out of hatred or hostility. Instrumental aggression is defined as aggressive behavior utilized to achieve non-aggressive purposes such as winning, obtaining money, status, or gaining an advantage. Instrumental aggression is when someone engages in destructive behavior without provocation to achieve a desired objective or force others. Instrumental aggression involves an aggressive intent to injure an opponent physically or psychologically, without necessarily being upset. Instrumental aggression is defined as behavior aimed toward the target with the intention of achieving a specific goal.