Page 314 - The Social Animal

296 The Social Animal

were deliberately frustrated. This was accomplished by building up
the expectation that they would be shown a series of entertaining
movies and be allowed to have fun. Indeed, the experimenter went
so far as to begin to show a movie and to hand out candy bars to be
eaten later. But then the frustration was administered. The experi-
menter abruptly terminated the movie at the point of highest inter-
est and took the candy bars away. The children were then allowed
to play freely. As you have learned, this is a setup for the occurrence
of aggressive behavior. But the children who had been trained for
constructive behavior displayed far more constructive activity and
far less aggressive activity than those in the other group.
This research is encouraging indeed. Here I find it necessary to
state my firm belief that it would be naive to expect many children
in our society to spontaneously choose constructive rather than ag-
gressive solutions to interpersonal conflicts and frustrating circum-
stances. The society at large presents us with all kinds of evidence to
the effect that violent solutions to conflict and frustration are not
only predominant but also valued. The Arnold Schwarzenegger/
James Bond–type hero has become a cultural icon. Explicitly or im-
plicitly, whether in the guise of the avenging cowboy, the urban cop,
the prizefighter, the Terminator, or the suave secret agent who blows
people away in exotic and entertaining ways, these movie heroes
demonstrate to young kids what is valued by society and what might
be expected of them.
Needless to say, our exposure to violent solutions to problems is
not confined to films and videos; these events dominate the nightly
news, as well. Accordingly, it should come as no surprise that chil-
dren learn that adults often solve their conflicts by resorting to vio-
lence. Moreover, many children are not even aware that alternative
solutions are feasible or appropriate. If we would prefer our children
to grow up favoring nonviolent strategies, it might be a good idea to
offer them specific training in these techniques, as well as encourage-
ment to use them. There is no reason why such training cannot be
provided both in the home and in school.

The Presence of Nonaggressive Models An important curb
to aggressive behavior is the clear indication that such behavior is in-
appropriate. And the most effective indicator is social—that is, the
presence of other people in the same circumstances who are re-