General Aggression Model

Abstract The general aggression model (GAM) is an integrative, bio‐social‐cognitive, developmental framework for explaining human aggression that incorporates many domain‐specific theories of aggression. This entry discusses and defines important concepts in the study of aggression (i.e., aggression, violence, proactive vs. reactive aggression, direct vs. indirect aggression, and displaced and triggered displaced aggression). Next, the theoretical precursors to GAM (i.e., cognitive neoassociation theory, social learning theory, script theory, excitation transfer theory, social interaction theory, and the general affective aggression model) are reviewed. Finally, the structure and functions of GAM are described and implications for media effects are discussed.