Summary: A new study contests the belief that aggression stems from poor self-control. Instead, it suggests that aggression is often a deliberate, controlled act, inflicted to maximize retribution.
This finding, based on meta-analysis of multiple psychology and neurology studies, contradicts the traditional approach of treating violent tendencies by boosting self-control. It implies that such interventions may even enable some people to better execute their aggressive instincts.
Key Facts:
- Aggression does not necessarily arise from poor self-control. Instead, it can be a calculated act of retribution, requiring self-discipline to carry out effectively.
- Evidence suggests that self-control training programs do not necessarily reduce violent tendencies.
- Research indicates that the brain’s prefrontal cortex, a center of self-control, shows increased activity during aggression, further debunking the association between poor self-control and aggression.
Personally, I find the above statements to be very interesting, before I became aware of how ASPD affects my life in a negative way, I would often intend to appear more angered than I actually was in order to achieve some end goal.
Presently, I see my anger as stemming from a lack of control over my emotions and thoughts.
That being said, I cannot say that I am always the master of my domain so I still find this article worth a little bit of light reading.
Our prison system is full of people who control their anger appropriately. No wonder the US has the highest amount of prisoners per capita in the world, we are just that good at controlling our emotions and actions.
Guy who ran over BLM supporters in his jeep? Self controlled anger. Guy who shot up country music festival? Thats a calculated self control right there. Shoes got stepped on at the club turned into a murder scene? Accidental control of temper.