Five-year-old Matthew kicked Jason when Jason threatened to take Matthew's snack. Matthew is demonstrating _____ aggression.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Matthew's aggression is reactive, meaning it is a response to a perceived threat or provocation. It is not premeditated or intended to achieve a specific goal, which would be the case with instrumental aggression. It is also not directed towards damaging social relationships, which is characteristic of relational aggression. While the aggression can be seen as hostile, that term is often used for more severe or intentional forms of aggression.

Five-Year-Old Matthew Kicked Jason When Jason Threatened to Take Matthew's