Frustration-Aggression Theory

Definition: When people perceive that they are being prevented from achieving a goal, their frustration is likely to turn to aggression. Application: Specifically in the African American communities, this theory is experienced on a large scale and affects many people. Many AA feel as if the gov't and other powers at be have held them back from obtaining the financial freedom to be as successful as others. This leads to crime, violence and eventually some form of incarceration. Adaptation:This can be used in any aspect of life. It happens in the workplace in terms of advancement in the job and how that leads some to have violent blowups in the office or arguments with  coworkers or supervisors.  Source: Barker, R., Dembo, T. and Lewin, K. (1941) Frustration and aggression: An experiment with young children, University of Iowa Studies in Child Welfare,18, 1-314