What term describes Ryan's behavior when he shoves Carla while both want Legos?

What term describes Ryan's behavior when he shoves Carla while both want Legos?

• A. Reactive aggression
• B. Instrumental aggression
• C. Verbal aggression
• D. Relational aggression

Answer: (B)

Instrumental aggression describes using aggression as a tool to achieve a concrete goal. In this case, Ryan shoves Carla specifically to get the Legos, so the aggressive act is aimed at obtaining the desired object rather than expressing anger or reacting impulsively. It’s not about anger in the moment (that would be reactive aggression), nor about using words to hurt (verbal aggression), nor about harming someone’s social standing (relational aggression). The shove is a means to an end—acquiring the Legos—so instrumental aggression is the best descriptor.

Instrumental aggression describes using aggression as a tool to achieve a concrete goal. In this case, Ryan shoves Carla specifically to get the Legos, so the aggressive act is aimed at obtaining the desired object rather than expressing anger or reacting impulsively. It’s not about anger in the moment (that would be reactive aggression), nor about using words to hurt (verbal aggression), nor about harming someone’s social standing (relational aggression). The shove is a means to an end—acquiring the Legos—so instrumental aggression is the best descriptor.