Studying Man’s Aggression (Press, 22 September 1973)

In his book "Man’s Aggression: A New Approach," published in 1973, Professor Gregory Rochlin presents a complex analysis of aggression, asserting that it originates as a defence mechanism against threats to self-respect and narcissism. He suggests that aggression can become a means to ensure success and recover a sense of worth. When aggression cannot be justified or is suppressed by conscience, it often turns inwards, leading to self-criticism and depression. Throughout his work, Rochlin critiques the limitations in Sigmund Freud's treatment of aggression, which was sidelined compared to sex and self-preservation. Though Freud's notion of the "death instinct" attempts to address aggression, Rochlin finds it confusing. Rochlin reinterprets several classical Freudian cases, including "little Hans," Judge Schreber, and Anna O, through the lens of aggression. He argues against drawing parallels between human aggression and animal behaviour observed in captivity, claiming that aggression in wild animals does not correspond to those in laboratory settings. This differentiation raises questions about the roots of aggression in humans, suggesting that rather than stemming from childhood fears of violence, aggression arises from deeper unconscious conflicts tied to self-preservation. Rochlin posits that while animals do not gain gratification from aggression, it is a significant aspect of human existence. He argues that early in life, individuals must navigate their narcissism and aggression before sexual development can take place. The guilt that arises from unresolved sexual conflicts is intertwined with the narcissistic aggression in children, which can lead to possible self-directed hostility and depression as a defence mechanism. The text critiques the repetitive nature of revisiting Freud's theories, suggesting that many of his ideas, although once considered radical, are now integrated into broader psychological discourse and not universally accepted. Instead of merely exploring the nature of instinctive processes that disrupt humanity, Rochlin advocates for a more practical psychological approach centred on what facilitates personal well-being. Despite the intellectual depth of Rochlin's research, the reviewer notes a lack of practical evidence from controlled studies involving individuals in need, indicating that the book, while thought-provoking, may come across as somewhat dated for contemporary audiences.

The text on this page is created, in the most part, using Generative AI and so may contain errors or omissions. It is supplied to you without guarantee or warranty of correctness. If you find an error or would like to make a content suggestion please get in contact

The text on this page is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 New Zealand