The Control of Human Aggression: An Optimistic Perspective

Several techniques for the control of human aggression are reviewed These include punishment, catharsis, exposure to nonaggressive models, cognitive interventions, the induction of responses incompatible with anger or overt aggression, and training in basic social skills. These procedures are found to vary in their overall effectiveness, and also in terms of the conditions under which they are applicable. However, taken as a whole, existing empirical evidence suggests that when used with appropriate skill, several of the techniques reviewed may indeed prove useful in deterring overt violence under many conditions. Reasons for the persistent pessimism among behavioral scientists with respect to the possibility of controlling human aggression are considered. In general, these are rejected as resting on doubtful beliefs and questionable assumptions