What does the frustration-aggression hypothesis propose?

The frustration-aggression hypothesis posits that aggression is a direct result of frustration. This means that when individuals encounter obstacles that prevent them from achieving their goals, they may respond with aggressive behavior as a means of venting their frustration. The hypothesis suggests a causal relationship; in this view, frustration does not merely coexist with aggression but actively contributes to it.

This perspective is crucial in understanding various social behaviors and conflicts, as it highlights the psychological process where blocked goals trigger an aggressive response. This concept has been extensively researched and has implications across various fields, from psychology to sociology.

The other options present interpretations that do not align with the core premise of the hypothesis. For instance, the idea that frustration leads to passive behavior misrepresents the typical response to frustration, while the suggestion that frustration can lead to both aggressive and peaceful actions complicates the direct cause-and-effect relationship emphasized by the hypothesis. Moreover, the thought that aggression results from inadequate coping mechanisms introduces a different angle that does not focus strictly on frustration as the primary catalyst for aggression.