PHYSIOLOGICAL AROUSAL, REACTIVE AGGRESSION, AND THE INDUCTION OF AN INCOMPATIBLE RELAXATION RESPONSE

This review examines the major cognitive/social approaches to reducing reactive aggression and their interdependency on neural mechanisms as sociated with arousal. According to psychological theory, physiologica l arousal serves as a nonspecific energizer of cognitively defined emo tions. Physiological models emphasize a bottom-up approach, many highe r cortical functions serve to reduce heightened arousal and these redu ctions are essential before cognitive techniques can modulate aggressi ve behavior. Higher cortical functions are associated with complex cog nitive processes necessary for self-control, anticipating consequences , and behavioral inhibition. Heightened arousal interferes with cognit ive performance; disinhibiting aggression and reinforcing behavior tha t reduces arousal. Studies manipulating empathy, humor and sexual cont ent have demonstrated efficacy of incompatible responses to reduce ang er and aggression, but when attributions are negative and arousal high all of these manipulations can increase chances of overt aggression. The incompatible response hypothesis is extended beyond empathy, humor , and sexual arousal to include relaxation techniques for prevention a nd control of aggression. Cognitive-behavioral therapeutic programs ha ve successfully reduced aggression by combining relaxation, systematic desensitization, and biofeedback with cognitive restructuring and ang er management training. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd.