Carla's behavior in the toy competition scenario is described as which type of aggression?

Carla's behavior in the toy competition scenario is described as which type of aggression?

• A. Hostile aggression
• B. Reactive aggression
• C. Aggressive retaliation
• D. Instrumental aggression

Answer: (D)

Instrumental aggression is aggression used as a means to an end—to achieve a specific goal. In a toy competition, Carla’s aggression serves the purpose of winning the toy or securing the prize, so the aggressive act is a tactic to reach that outcome rather than an expression of anger toward someone. It’s proactive and goal-directed. Other types would involve different motivations: hostile aggression is driven by anger with the aim to hurt, reactive aggression is an impulsive response to provocation or frustration, and aggressive retaliation is harm carried out to punish after being harmed. The scenario describes using aggression to obtain the toy, which fits instrumental aggression.

Instrumental aggression is aggression used as a means to an end—to achieve a specific goal. In a toy competition, Carla’s aggression serves the purpose of winning the toy or securing the prize, so the aggressive act is a tactic to reach that outcome rather than an expression of anger toward someone. It’s proactive and goal-directed.

Other types would involve different motivations: hostile aggression is driven by anger with the aim to hurt, reactive aggression is an impulsive response to provocation or frustration, and aggressive retaliation is harm carried out to punish after being harmed. The scenario describes using aggression to obtain the toy, which fits instrumental aggression.