Higher-Order Cognition Automatic associations can influence aggression, but more thoughtful, higher-order processing of information also plays a very important role in determining whether and how people will aggress. For example, if you’re an- gry, you might refrain from acting aggressively if you realize that the potential costs of fighting seem too high. People who believe that aggression is inappropriate in a particular situation or whose moral values and principles mandate nonviolent be- havior may realize that better alternatives to aggression exist. Considering the behavior of other people in the immediate situation can also influence an individual’s considerations. If others are reacting aggressively to the situation, aggression can be contagious.
People’s thoughts about the intentions of other people can determine whether they are likely to respond aggressively. Some individuals exhibit a hostile attribution bias in that they tend to perceive hostile intent in others. A large body of research— including multiple meta-analyses of hundreds of studies—has found hostile attribu- tion bias to be associated with both physical and relational aggression in children and adults.