Aggression and Motivation of Alcohol Consumption in Young People

Abstract

The article features the theoretical and methodological approaches to aggressiveness, which can be divided into aggression, hostility, and anger. Aggression is a normal manifestation of life, coming-of-age, and social adaptation. Aggressive behavior can be constructive, instrumental, and destructive. It depends on both personality and group standards. Aggressive behavior is often legitimized as part of adaptation to the norms and rituals of a particular social group. Alcohol is responsible for many cases of aggressive behavior inside a community. Young people drink alcohol to achieve a desirable social status, improve their mood, raise confidence, and blend in. Drinking often legitimizes aggressive behavior. Particular predictors of group drinking can be used for sampling. Subjects with pronounced hostility demonstrate poor prospects for control of activity and emotions; they tend to violate social norms and are likely to develop addiction. Young people with a high level of general aggressiveness are guided by ataractic and hedonistic motivation for alcohol consumption.

Keywords

• aggression
• hostility
• characteristics of aggressiveness
• legitimation of aggression
• youth
• ataractic motivation
• alcohol consumption motivation