Key Difference – Hostile vs Instrumental Aggression
Aggression refers to violent behavior or thoughts towards others. There are two forms of aggression: hostile aggression and instrumental aggression. The key difference between these two forms lies in their goals. In hostile aggression, the goal is to cause harm or injury to another, while in instrumental aggression, the goal is to achieve something.
What is Hostile Aggression?
Hostile aggression is a form of aggression where the individual reacts violently to a situation. This can be in response to a threat or an insult. Social psychologists believe that hostile aggression is usually an impulsive reaction rather than a planned activity and is driven by emotion. The sole intention of hostile aggression is to cause pain and suffering, with no ulterior motive. Studies have shown that men tend to use hostile aggression more than women.
What is Instrumental Aggression?
Instrumental aggression is a form of aggression in which the individual intentionally acts in an aggressive manner in order to achieve a specific goal. Unlike in the case of hostile aggression, the individual is not driven by emotion but by the need to achieve a particular goal. Social psychologists highlight that women tend to use instrumental aggression more than men in daily life.
Key Takeaways
- Hostile aggression is an impulsive reaction driven by emotion, with the goal of causing harm or injury to another.
- Instrumental aggression is a planned action driven by the need to achieve a specific goal.
- Men tend to use hostile aggression more than women, while women tend to use instrumental aggression more than men.
