Arousal, Affect, and the Aggression-Moderating Effect of Erotica

Effects of provocation on emotions and aggression in males

“…None of the positive or negative emotions directly influenced aggressive responding, or intervened in the relationship between provocation and aggression. Thus, the findings are inconsistent with theories which emphasize that negative and positive emotions play a primary role in the relationship between provocation and aggression [Berkowitz, 1989;Sapolsky, 1984].…”

“…." Researchers have also demonstrated that positive emotions can reduce aggressive tendencies [Sapolsky, 1984;Zillman and Bryant, 1984]. Emotional states have been proposed to be important intervening variables in the relationship between provocation and aggression [Berkowitz, 1993].…”

Seeing Masculine Men, Sexy Women, and Gender Differences: Exposure to Pornography and Cognitive Constructions of Gender

“…Theory and research suggest that increased psychological distance between the in-group (men) and the out-group (women) often precedes hostility toward the out-group (Allport, 1954;Bandura, 1983;Kelman & Hamilton, 1989;Sherif, Harvey, White, Hood, & Sherif, 1961). Distance (the perception of gender differences) is not enough, but distance combined with arousing, aggressive cues (the sexual/violent music videos) may encourage high exposure men to act (Berkowitz, 1990;Sapolsky, 1984;Zillman & Bryant, 1984).…”

Effects of Provocation on Emotions and Aggression: An Experimental Study with Aggressive Children

“…Interestingly, we found that anger (EWL-KJ) was not significantly related to aggressive responding in the RT task. This might indicate that anger is not a necessary prerequisite of aggressive behaviour, but the result is inconsistent with theories that emphasize the primary role of negative emotions in provocation and aggression (Berkowitz, 1989;Sapolsky, 1984). It is important to decide whether the as- sessed aspect of aggression and anger-related emotions are caused by the same factors.…”