Synonyms
Definition
The imitation of aggressive behavior, modeled by another individual
Introduction
Imitative aggression, or the imitation of aggressive behaviors modeled by another, serves an important developmental process. Specifically, imitative aggression may function to use others as models for appropriate behaviors in specific environments or circumstances. By imitating others’ behaviors in similar situations, individuals are able to learn vicariously through the experiences of those they model, decreasing their chances for experiencing negative outcomes and increasing their chances for experiencing positive outcomes in those situations. Thus, individuals who utilize imitative aggression are able to maximize their fitness in situations which they themselves have not yet experienced.
Imitative aggression research dates back to Bandura’s seminal works, assessing the effects of modeling aggression directed toward bobo dolls...
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References
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Kirwan, M. (2016). Imitative Aggression. In: Shackelford, T., Weekes-Shackelford, V. (eds) Encyclopedia of Evolutionary Psychological Science. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-16999-6_850-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-16999-6_850-1
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