PSYCH 280 Lecture Notes - Lecture 22: Prosocial Behavior, Overjustification Effect
Document Summary
Dehumanization - when a person or group is perceived as less than human, is likened to a nonhuman, or is treated in a way that disregards the person"s or group"s humanity. You treat them in a way that denies human dignity, more behavioral rather than cognitive. Ex) torture, treating them as commodity, etc. Catharsis theory - acting aggressively or even viewing aggression purges angry feelings and aggressive tendencies or drives. Comes from the greek word katharsis meaning to cleanse or purge. People write an essay and are given insulting feedback. 2 participants vent their anger and punch a punching bag, while other 2 sit quietly. Then play a computer game where they can send another participant a sound of air releasing through the computer. People who vented their anger were more hostile, and inflicted maximum discomfort on other participant. If catharsis is true, opposite would happen. Do something incompatible with anger (help someone in need)
