The Catharsis theory of aggression

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   According to the Catharsis theory of aggression, levels of aggression of an individual could be reduced by engaging him (let's face it, it's almost always "him") in - or viewing - certain "acceptable" forms of aggressive behaviour, such as contact sports. This idea is based on psychodynamic theories and energy models of personality that vicarious participation in, or the direct expression of aggression discharges the aggressive drive energy and reduces the incidence of aggressive behavior (i.e. the idea of "sublimation"). Guided by this type of theory, many parents, educators, rehabilitation workers and child psychotherapists encourage aggressive children to express aggression in one form or another. 

Pennal (1975) pointed out that there are many points of similarity between physiological drives, such as hunger and sex, and the instigation to aggression. This similarity is important when aggression is considered to be a drive that is capable of being reduced by a goal response. When an organism makes an appropriate goal response such as eating when it is hungry, the strength of the relevant physiological drive is reduced. If aggression is a drive similar to physiological drives, and causing injury to another is considered to be the appropriate goal response, the occurrence of an act of aggression should reduce the instigation to aggression. When aggression is considered to be a drive that can be reduced by some type of aggressive responses, those responses that reduce the drive level in this manner are considered to be cathartic. 
Do you believe in this theory of aggression? 

Reference:

http://home.alltel.net/billpen/Aggress.htm

Edited by flyingzone - 24-Oct-2006 at 11:29