attack in the future. Another reason for the aggression-breeds-aggression ef-
fect may be the presence of aggressive cues. As described in Chapter 14, see-
ing something we associate with violence (for example, a gun) often increases
aggression. By observing our own aggressive actions, we may be spurred on
to more aggression. Moreover, as discussed in Chapter 16, these violent cues
may tap into other memories and emotions related to aggression. Finally, be-
cause a cathartic release of tension feels good, aggressive acts may be rein-forced. Researchers find that people sometimes feel better after punching a
bag or blasting another participant with loud noise (Bushman, Baumeister, &
Phillips, 2001; Bushman et al., 1999). As discussed in Chapter 13, behaviorsthat lead to pleasant consequences are likely to be repeated. Thus, rather than
reducing aggression, catharsis may do the opposite.
ATTACHMENT STYLE AND ADULT RELATIONSHIPS
When people are asked what brings them happiness, they usually talk about
their personal relationships (Myers, 1992). Career, personal accomplishments,
and material possessions almost always come in a distant second to our loved
ones when people stop to think about what they treasure most in their lives.
Ironically, our relationships are also one of our biggest sources of distress.
Most adults have been in relationships that for one reason or another simply
didn’t work. You may have gone through the frustration of being involved
with someone who remained emotionally distant. Or you may have suffered
through a relationship in which your partner was so dependent and clinging
that you felt smothered. If you are lucky, you also have found a romantic
Anger Score
Control Punched Bag
for ExercisePunched Bag
Thinking of Enemy252627282930
FIGURE 6.3 Anger After Cathartic Activity
Source: Adapted from Bushman (2002).138 CHAPTER 6 The Neo-Freudian Theories