frustration-aggression hypothesis

The frustration-aggression-hypothesis">frustration-aggression hypothesis suggests that when individuals experience frustration—such as obstacles blocking their goals—it can lead to aggressive behavior. This theory posits that frustration increases the likelihood of aggression because it creates emotional tension. Rather than expressing this frustration toward the source directly, people may displace their anger onto other targets or exhibit aggressive actions. For instance, if someone is stuck in traffic, their frustration may result in yelling or aggressive driving, reflecting an inability to address the original cause of their distress. Essentially, unaddressed frustration can manifest as aggression in various forms.