Toward a general theory of psychosocial deviance: The case of aggressive behavior

A partial confirmation of the generality of the theory was provided by a consideration of the literature relating to agressive behavior and two sets of propositions were discussed: those concerning the reciprocal relationship between self-attitudes and aggressive behavior and those dealing with influences toward the adoption of aggressive behavior patterns.

Abstract

The outline of a general theory of psychosocial deviance is described. The core of the theory consists of two propositions. First, antecedent self-derogation increases the probability of subsequent adoption of modes of psychosocial deviance. Second, adoption of deviant patterns tends to decrease the degree of preexisting self-derogation. The emerging theoretical model is discussed with reference to studies relating to several specific modes of deviant behavior. A partial confirmation of the generality of the theory was provided by a consideration of the literature relating to agressive behavior. Two sets of propositions were discussed: those concerning the reciprocal relationship between self-attitudes and aggressive behavior; and, those dealing with influences toward the adoption of aggressive behavior patterns in particular given the general predisposition to adopt some form of deviant behavior.