What principle explains that frustration can lead to anger and then to aggression?

The Frustration-Aggression Principle provides a clear understanding of how frustration can escalate into anger and ultimately lead to aggressive behavior. This principle, formulated by social psychologist John Dollard and his colleagues, posits that when individuals experience frustration—defined as the blocking of goal-directed behavior—it often results in feelings of anger.

These feelings can be directed toward the source of frustration or displaced onto other targets. The underlying mechanism is rooted in the idea that when our desires or needs are thwarted, it triggers a response that can manifest as aggression. This principle is supported by numerous psychological studies that demonstrate how individuals facing obstacles can turn to aggressive actions as a way of coping with their frustration.

By recognizing the Frustration-Aggression Principle, one can better understand the link between emotional responses and behavior, particularly in social contexts where aggression may arise from unmet expectations or thwarted goals.