Two types of aggression in human evolution
A research study conducted by an author affiliated with the Department of Human Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, discuss the two primary forms of aggression: proactive and reactive. The key distinguishing factor between these two types revolves around the underlying intentions of aggression.
Proactive aggression is characterized by a deliberate, premeditated attack, driven by the pursuit of an internal or external reward. It typically involves a consistent target and often lacks heightened emotional arousal. Examples of such activities are: bullying, planned ambushes, or acts of violence, whether committed by a lone individual or a group. In contrast, reactive aggression emerges as a response to a perceived threat or a frustrating event, with the sole objective of removing the provoking stimulus. It is inherently linked to feelings of anger. Examples of reactive aggression include bar fights triggered by mutual insults and crimes of passion that occur immediately following the discovery of infidelity. Notably, the differentiation between these two types of aggression is further substantiated by the varying responses to therapeutic interventions and neuroanatomical changes. Reactive aggression tends to be more responsive to such interventions, leading to reduced impulsive aggressive behaviors when treated with substances like lithium carbonate, which has shown efficacy in diminishing impulsive aggressive acts in prison inmates. Similar results have been observed with the use of phenytoin. For a more comprehensive understanding, you can explore further details by following the provided link.