Human Growth and Development

Factors Influencing Aggression: ●​ Social Norms: If aggression is seen as an acceptable way to resolve conflict, children may adopt it. ●​ Environmental Influence: Watching others gain status or control through aggression increases its use. ●​ Biological Factors: Some children have more reactive temperaments, making them prone to impulsivity. Evolutionary theorist Konrad Lorenz argued that aggression is innate and evolved for survival and resource competition. He supported the catharsis hypothesis , suggesting that expressing anger can reduce it. However, this theory remains debated, as some studies suggest that venting aggression may reinforce aggressive behavior rather than relieve it. Types of Aggression: ●​ Reactive Aggression: Impulsive and driven by anger, fear, or frustration (e.g., hitting after being insulted). ●​ Proactive Aggression: Intentional and goal-driven, often used to gain power (e.g., bullying to gain social status). ●​ Relational Aggression: Damaging reputations or social standing through gossip or exclusion. ●​ Passive Aggression: Indirect expressions of hostility, such as sarcasm or procrastination. ●​ Instrumental Aggression: Aggression used to achieve a goal, without necessarily intending harm (e.g., threatening someone to get money). Moral Development Moral development is the process of learning right from wrong , fairness, and justice. It helps individuals make ethical decisions and reason about complex social dilemmas. Lawrence Kohlberg proposed that moral reasoning progresses through stages, influenced by cognitive growth and social experiences. Kohlberg’s Research on Moral Development: ●​ Used moral dilemmas to assess how people justify ethical choices ●​ Studied boys aged 10–16, analyzing their reasoning behind right and wrong ●​ Found that moral development occurs in stages, with individuals moving from self-interest to more abstract principles of justice ●​ Physical Aggression: Causing bodily harm (e.g., hitting, pushing). ●​ Verbal Aggression: Using insults or humiliation to hurt others.

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