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As a class we have discussed in great detail many concepts, theory’s and techniques covered in chapters 9,10, 12 and 13 and in the lectures. However the one that has intrigued me so far is the theory of frustration-aggression theory covered in chapter 10. I have decided to apply the frustration-aggression theory to my personal life.

The frustration-aggression theory also known as the frustration-aggression-displacement theory was made famous by American psychologist John Dollard and fellow assistants. The theory states that frustration causes aggressive behaviors but when the origin of the frustration cannot be tested, the aggression gets displaced onto an uninvolved object.

The frustration-aggression theory is described in our class textbooks as “frustration triggers a readiness to aggress” (Virginia Commonwealth University, 2013, p. 360). When we feel an intense desire to accomplish a set goal but are cut off from attaining that set goal we experience aggression.

Sometimes the aggression we experience doesn’t implode on the aggression trigger. People most often learn to take the triggered aggression and displace (displacement) this energy to a more adequate destination. An example of displacement theory is an irate customer instead of confronting the customer the cashier takes this aggression and redirects it to his/her co-worker yells at a cashier at a grocery store. Most of the time when displacement occurs it happens to be redirected to someone who has related features to the first main trigger aggressor.

Aggression comes from many different factors such as learned social behavior, biochemical influence, genetic influence and culture. Triggers can be anything from physical pain, social insults, psychological pain, temper...

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...g up an hour and a half early would have given me an upper hand in the situation. However I still failed the experiment due to my lack of judgment on stopping for coffee as a reward. Resulting in waiting angrily in traffic as my frustration in the situation grew to aggressive behaviors. Analyzing this personal experience and looking back on other road rage situations I understand frustration-aggression theory and frustration-aggression-displacement theory. Experiencing the displacement theory when my emotions grew into a state of frenzy thinking about the uncivil woman who jumped in front of me. Instead of addressing the situation of my poor judge for stopping in the first place while ahead of schedule. Each day is a struggle to keep my emotions in check when dealing with road rage but I believe if I apply myself in a more positive way the outcome will be worth it.