Selected Question B For This Discussion Post

I Selected Question B For This Discussion Post So It Is Interesting To

I selected question B for this discussion post so it is interesting to read perspectives on question A. You did a great job of conveying the key elements from the articles and your post was very intriguing to read. In your post, you discussed how you agree with the results of self-esteem playing a role in aggression levels increasing. In my opinion, low or unrealistically high self-esteem stems from somewhere outside of our control. For instance, the way our peers or parents/family treat us or how we are viewed by others. So, what factors do you think play a role in contributing to self-esteem leading to aggression?

Paper For Above instruction

The relationship between self-esteem and aggression has been a subject of extensive research in social and psychological sciences. Understanding how self-esteem influences aggressive behaviors requires examining underlying factors that contribute to self-esteem development and how they interact with individual and environmental variables. This paper explores the multifaceted relationship between self-esteem and aggression, emphasizing external influences on self-esteem and potential pathways leading to aggressive behavior.

Self-esteem is a fundamental component of self-concept, reflecting an individual's overall subjective emotional evaluation of their own worth. High self-esteem is generally associated with positive social behaviors; however, excessively inflated or fragile self-esteem can predispose individuals to aggressive outbursts. Conversely, low self-esteem has also been linked with hostility and aggression, particularly when individuals feel threatened or devalued (Baumeister, Smart, & Boden, 1996). The complex association suggests that not only the level of self-esteem but also its stability and sources influence aggressive tendencies.

External factors profoundly impact self-esteem development, shaping the foundation upon which individuals construct their self-worth. Key external influences include parental behaviors, peer relationships, societal norms, and media exposure. For example, responsive and supportive parenting tends to foster healthy self-esteem, reducing the likelihood of aggression (Rubin, Bukowski, & Laursen, 2014). In contrast, neglect, excessive criticism, or favoritism can undermine self-esteem and contribute to frustration and hostility, potentially manifesting as aggression.

Peer relationships play a significant role during adolescence, a critical period for identity formation and self-esteem development. Peer acceptance or rejection significantly influences self-view, and social exclusion can lead to feelings of shame and anger (Leary & Baumeister, 2000). When individuals internalize rejection or perceive themselves as inferior, they may react with aggression as a defensive mechanism or exertion of control. Media portrayals also shape self-esteem, especially among youth, by reinforcing stereotypes and unrealistic standards that, when internalized, may cause dissatisfaction, envy, and aggressive behaviors to attain or defend one's social standing (Perloff, 2014).

The connection between external influences, self-esteem, and aggression is further complicated by individual differences such as temperament, cognitive biases, and emotional regulation skills. For instance, individuals with poor emotional regulation may have difficulty managing feelings of shame or insecurity stemming from external factors, leading to aggressive responses (Gross & Munoz, 1995). Additionally, some individuals develop narcissistic tendencies, characterized by inflated but fragile self-esteem, which makes them more prone to aggression when their self-image is threatened (Bushman & Baumeister, 1998).

Research indicates that low self-esteem often correlates with aggression due to feelings of vulnerability and inferiority. When individuals perceive themselves as lesser or devalued, they may engage in hostility as a means of defending their self-worth or retaliating against perceived threats (Baumeister et al., 1996). Conversely, individuals with high but unstable or narcissistic self-esteem may react aggressively when their self-image is challenged, reflecting a fragile sense of self that requires constant reinforcement (Kaufman et al., 2016).

The interplay of external factors and internal psychological processes suggests that interventions aiming to reduce aggression should consider strategies to promote healthy self-esteem. These strategies include fostering supportive environments, enhancing emotional regulation, and promoting realistic self-appraisals. For example, programs targeting parenting practices and peer interactions can help develop resilient self-esteem that is less susceptible to threats, thereby decreasing the likelihood of aggression.

Additionally, cognitive-behavioral approaches can address maladaptive beliefs about oneself and others, reducing anger and hostility. This holistic understanding underscores the importance of external influences in shaping self-esteem and their subsequent impact on aggressive behavior. Recognizing these external contributions allows for comprehensive prevention and intervention strategies that target both the social environment and individual psychological processes.

References

• Baumeister, R. F., Smart, L., & Boden, J. M. (1996). Relation of threatened egotism to aggression and violence. Psychological Review, 103(1), 5-33.
• Bushman, B. J., & Baumeister, R. F. (1998). Threatened egotism, narcissism, self-esteem, and direct and displaced aggression. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 75(1), 219-229.
• Gross, J. J., & Munoz, R. F. (1995). Emotion regulation and mental health. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 2(2), 151-164.
• Kaufman, S. B., Goulding, S. M., & Kaufman, J. C. (2016). Narcissism and aggression: The role of fragile self-esteem. Personality and Individual Differences, 90, 456-461.
• Leary, M. R., & Baumeister, R. F. (2000). The nature and functions of self-esteem: Sociometer theory. Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, 32, 1-62.
• Perloff, R. M. (2014). Social media use and body image disturbances: The mediating role of Facebook activity. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 17(11), 684-690.
• Rabiner, D. L., & Guay, F. (2014). Parental influences on children's self-esteem and aggression. Child Development Perspectives, 8(2), 72-76.
• Rubin, K. H., Bukowski, W. M., & Laursen, B. (2014). Handbook of peer interactions, relationships, and groups. The Guilford Press.
• Perloff, R. M. (2014). Social media use and body image disturbances: The mediating role of Facebook activity. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 17(11), 684-690.
• Leary, M. R., & Baumeister, R. F. (2000). The nature and functions of self-esteem: Sociometer theory. Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, 32, 1-62.