by Michelle Aldridge

If aggression is environmentally influenced or learned, then what factors leads to outbursts of aggression like hate crimes?

Psychologists have identified the following four general categories as potential influences of aggression:

Group context can amplify aggressive reactions by diffusing responsibility of individuals and by making socially acceptable actions seem justifiable. In a group, the aggressive actions of one antagonistic person may cause the moral inhibitions of others to fall away. An individual's self-identity may also diminish as she gives herself over to the group mentality. For example, during the Holocaust Nazi followers were more likely to express hate against Jews once it became popularly accepted.

Aversive incidents, such as attacks and other incidents that cause us pain, frustration, uncomfortable heat, and feelings of overcrowding have been scientifically proven to fuel aggressiveness. After he was bullied by other students, expelled from school, and shamed by his parents, Oregon high student Kip Kinkel believed he had "no choice" but to go back and kill those who had brought on his frustrations.

Arousing incidents including exercise, fear and sexual encounters can intensify existing emotions. One form of arousal can amplify feelings of another. Women in Salem, Mass. were more likely to lash out and accuse others of witchcraft after they had been accused of the same crime- even though they may have not done so under less fearful, less arousing conditions.

Media is also believed to influence violent behavior. In July 2003, three New Jersey teenagers were arrested for plotting to kill three of their peers. One of the teens is said to be obsessed with the violent, fighting-filled movie series, the Matrix. Psychologists have conducted several studies to show the relationship between media and violence.

Now, the real question: if psychologists have accurately defined the influences of our aggressive behavior, then could hate crime be prevented?