Expressions of Aggression

Social learning theory suggests that factors that increase the risk of social reprisal and reprobation should inhibit unprovoked physical attacks. A factorial experiment employing 56 males and 56 females investigated the effects of anonymity to authority figures and potential retaliation from a victim upon aggression displayed by small groups (n = 4) of coacting aggressors. The results disclosed that anticipated negative consequences in the form of counteraggression from the victim combined with surveillance by an authority inhibited the expression of aggression among both males and females. These findings were interpreted in terms of social learning theory, which emphasizes the role of expected negative consequences of behavior violating norms of social propriety.