Aversive events and aggression

- This article reviews the research on effects of aversive events on aggression.
- Theoretical frameworks that help explain and predict these effects are reviewed.
- Empirical work conducted in the lab and field is reviewed.
- Future directions for research in this domain are briefly discussed.

There is perhaps no finding in psychology that is more consistent than the human motivation to avoid negative experiences and seek out positive ones. The current review details some of the aggression-related consequences that result from failures to avoid these negative experiences. Attention is paid to the theoretical processes at work that produce such effects. A review is conducted of the empirical literature detailing animal and human studies, in the lab and field. Lastly, we briefly discuss future directions in research that may advance our understanding of such effects.