Cognitive interpretation of aversive events determines whether one develops learned helplessness, which seems to occur when individuals come to believe that events are beyond their control. Carver and his colleagues studied behavioral disengagement , and found that it is associated with increased rather than decreased distress. Social withdrawal is a more adaptive value. Many people pull back from their interactions with others, becoming socially distant and preoccupied. Discuss the adaptive value of aggression in response to stress.
Aggression involves any behavior intended to hurt someone, either physically or verbally.