The causes of aggression

The Causes of Aggression

To fully understand aggression it would be beneficial to look at what actually causes it in the first place. Below is a list of factors that cause aggression, 

• Nature of the sport – Is the sport Contact or Non contact? Contact sports have a higher chance.

• Rivalry -  This can be either between teams or certain players.

• The Event – What is its importance? Are there any expectations?

• Score – The larger the differential the increased chance of aggression.

• Extrinsic Rewards – e.g. Do they get monetary/win bonus?  For a good example see the New Orleans Saints Bounty Video.    

The Bounty programme at the NFL's New Orleans Saints  

 

• Venue – Is it at home or away? Teams are more aggressive when playing away.

• Poor Officials – A bad call can spark aggression.

• Copying others – See Social Learning Theory.

• Frustration – See Frustration Aggression Theory.

• Verbal persuasion - has been identified as an instigator of aggressive actions (Bandura, 1979). 

• High arousal levels

 

These are just a few of the athlete and coach specific causes, the list could also include spectator factors.