What does the frustration-aggression principle propose?

The frustration-aggression principle suggests that individuals experience frustration when their goals or desires are blocked, and this frustration can lead to feelings of anger. As a result, this anger can manifest as aggressive behavior towards others or inanimate objects. The principle highlights the connection between the emotional state of frustration and the potential for aggressive actions, indicating that when people are prevented from achieving something they need or want, it can prompt an aggressive response directed outward.

In this context, frustration serves as a powerful trigger for aggression, reflecting the idea that emotional responses to perceived obstacles can significantly influence behavior in socially aggressive ways. This principle is rooted in the understanding of emotional processing and the ways in which negative feelings can lead to outward expressions, making it a fundamental concept in psychology related to human behavior and interpersonal dynamics.