According to the frustration-aggression principle, what triggers aggression?

The frustration-aggression principle posits that aggression is a result of an individual's frustration when they encounter obstacles preventing them from achieving their goals. In this context, when someone faces barriers that disrupt the path to their desired outcomes, they may experience heightened feelings of anger and frustration, which can subsequently lead to aggressive behaviors as a form of coping or reaction.

For example, if a person is denied a promotion at work after putting in significant effort, the frustration stemming from this setback could trigger aggressive feelings towards the source of their frustration. This aligns with the principle's core idea that the presence of obstacles directly correlates with the likelihood of aggressive responses.

Understanding this principle is essential, as it highlights the psychological processes that can lead to aggression in various situations, whether in interpersonal relationships, competitive environments, or broader societal contexts.