What is the Difference Between Aggression and Violence?

Aggression and violence are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct differences:

• Aggression: Aggression is generally defined as angry or violent feelings or behavior. It is a behavior motivated by the intent to cause harm to another person who wishes to avoid the harm. Aggression can be physical, verbal, or even expressed through non-verbal cues. Not all aggressive behaviors result in violence, and a person who is aggressive does not necessarily act out with violence.
• Violence: Violence is an extreme subtype of aggression and refers to the use of physical force with the intent to injure or kill another person. It is considered an extreme form of aggression that has intentional injury as its primary goal. Violence can be predatory, impulsive, reactive, or defensive in nature and may result from situational or environmental factors.

In summary, aggression is characterized by angry or violent feelings or behavior, while violence is an extreme form of aggression with the intent to cause physical harm or injury. It is important to understand the differences between these terms to effectively address issues related to aggression and violence in various contexts, such as therapy, law enforcement, and policy-making.

Comparative Table: Aggression vs Violence

The difference between aggression and violence can be summarized as follows:

In summary, aggression refers to any behavior intended to harm another person, while violence is a subset of aggression that involves causing extreme physical harm, such as injury or death.