This book examines the findings of behavioral research about conditions and circumstances that promote anger and aggression. Aggression takes numerous forms and has many causes, and this book distinguishes between instrumental aggression (assaults carried out to benefit the attacker in some way) and emotional (impulsive or expressive) aggression. Each type of aggression has different origins and aims and is best controlled by using specific methods best suited for each particular type of aggression. Although much attention is given to the conditions promoting deliberate instrumental aggression, it shows that many assaults are highly emotional acts. Also considered are the conceptions of emotion and the nature of anger and the analysis offers a new theory of the factors affecting impulsive aggression. The analysis is based on both laboratory experiments and "real world" field studies. Also included is a summary of what behavioral scientists have learned about the nature of highly aggressive personalities and the family and childhood backgrounds of those who are disposed to violent, antisocial behavior as well as reports on the important studies of the effects of violence depicted in the mass media. Risk factors, such as childhood experiences, frustration, poverty, and personal and social stresses, as well as external events and situations that bring hostile ideas to mind are also detailed, as are biological influences, such as hereditary factors, hormones, and alcohol, which promote aggressive tendencies. Suggestion for how socially destructive behavior might be reduced are included. Figures, notes, bibliography, name and subject index