Aggression: Nature Vs. Nurture

Aggression has varying definitions including “behaviour that results in personal injury or destruction of property” (Bandura, 1973) or “the intentional infliction of some form of harm on others” (Baron & Byrne, 2000). Researchers use of varying definition, is an illustration of the complex nature of aggression (Bushmann & Huesmann, 2010). The Nature vs. Nurture debate continues in its theorising of aggressions origin. Is it innate? or is it learnt? Or can it be both? With regards to available arguments surrounding aggression, this essay will evaluate and conclude whether aggression is truly innate.
The Psychodynamic approach (Freud, 1920), supports the claim that human aggression is innate. Freud (1920) determined that aggressive behaviour was a product

Some claim that aggressive behaviour is in response to frustration lead by a social element (Dollard et al., 1939). Research shows that frustration is likely to result in aggression if it helps to reduce the frustration (Leyens and Parke, 1975). Providing supporting evidence that aggression combines biology and social elements. However, this theory lacks clarity, what classifies as frustrating? Research also found that frustration does not always lead to aggression and aggression is not always caused by frustration (Berkowitz,1989), weakening this claim. á As with all theories there are strengths and limitations. Instinctive element of aggression cannot be located nor can it be empirically validated. However, biology has an input in aggression, but society and cultural beliefs have an incredible influence on how aggression is perceived and how its released. The complex nature of aggression will continue to be a controversial topic in psychology, the Nature vs. Nurture debate will remain with the continuing development of both biological and social