Which term describes aggression driven by anger and aimed at causing harm?

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

Answer: (D)

Understanding different motives behind aggressive behavior helps you pick the right term. When aggression is driven by anger and aimed to hurt someone, the behavior is considered hostile aggression. The anger fuels the action and the goal is to cause harm rather than to achieve a separate objective. This differs from instrumental aggression, where harm is a means to an end (like gaining something). It also differs from reactive aggression, which is an impulsive, angry response to provocation or threat but not necessarily with the deliberate aim to inflict harm. Relational aggression focuses on damaging someone’s social relationships or status rather than direct violence or harm. So the term that best fits the description is hostile aggression.