The Aggression-Inhibiting and Aggression-Facilitating Influence of Heightened Sexual Arousal.

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Bibliographic Details
Title: The Aggression-Inhibiting and Aggression-Facilitating Influence of Heightened Sexual Arousal.
Authors: Baron, Robert A., Bell, Paul A.
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 26
Publication Date: 1976
Document Type: Reports - Research
Descriptors: Affective Behavior, Aggression, Arousal Patterns, Behavior Theories, Behavioral Science Research, College Students, Electrical Stimuli, Males, Pictorial Stimuli, Research Projects, Responses, Sexuality, Stimulus Devices, Visual Stimuli
Abstract: Eighty-six undergraduate males participated in an experiment designed to investigate the impact of various types of erotic stimuli upon aggression. On the basis of previous research, it was hypothesized that exposure to mild erotic stimuli would tend to inhibit subsequent aggression, while exposure to more arousing stimuli of this type would facilitate such behavior. In order to examine this hypothesis, male subjects were first angered or treated in a more neutral manner by a confederate of the experimenter, and then provided with an opportunity to aggress against this person by means of electric shock. Before aggressing, participants were exposed to one of five different types of stimuli, nonerotic pictures of furniture, scenery, and abstract art; pictures of semi-nude females; pictures of nude females; pictures of couples engaged in various acts of love-making; or explicit erotic passages. Results offered support for the major hypothesis. (Author)
Notes: Paper presented at Midwestern Psychological Association (Chicago, Illinois, May 6-8, 1976); Not available in hard copy due to marginal legibility of original document
Journal Code: RIEJUN1977
Entry Date: 1977
Accession Number: ED133634
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Eighty-six undergraduate males participated in an experiment designed to investigate the impact of various types of erotic stimuli upon aggression. On the basis of previous research, it was hypothesized that exposure to mild erotic stimuli would tend to inhibit subsequent aggression, while exposure to more arousing stimuli of this type would facilitate such behavior. In order to examine this hypothesis, male subjects were first angered or treated in a more neutral manner by a confederate of the experimenter, and then provided with an opportunity to aggress against this person by means of electric shock. Before aggressing, participants were exposed to one of five different types of stimuli, nonerotic pictures of furniture, scenery, and abstract art; pictures of semi-nude females; pictures of nude females; pictures of couples engaged in various acts of love-making; or explicit erotic passages. Results offered support for the major hypothesis. (Author)