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.
From personal experience, aggression is not always a controlled action. I’m a lot better than I used to be, but I have injured myself over things that tipped me over mentally. These reactions were not at all calculated.
Again from experience, I personally agree that programs do little to reduce violent tendencies. For me, it was medication.
I have ASD, and a whole bunch of other things under the personality disorder umbrella. The key is I am aware of my shortfalls and found the solution which works for me.
I have never faked my anger and often hide it. In the past, I would explode. Never on anyone, just myself. Or walls now, I still hide it, but because of my medication I do get to control how I react, which is usually to just go somewhere else, and if I can’t do that, I go away into my thoughts