Quote:
Originally Posted by tecomsin
My problem with this concept "instrumental vs. reactive aggression" is how to apply it to people in my life. I have wondered both about my father and my last partner, who I've been no contact with for over 4 years. It's something that has puzzled me for a long time and I can't say I've gotten any further figuring it out.
I think you are saying that you are capable of both instrumental and reactive aggression, so they could even be co-existing at the same time?
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Everyone is capable of both instrumental and reactive aggression to an extent, but psychopaths use instrumental aggression more than most other people.
Can a person be motivated by both instrumental and reactive aggression at the same time for the same behavior? If it seems that a person routinely tries to harm others in such a way that's deliberate and planned, but also caused by profound emotion ... I'd argue that person is probably a narcissist. It's kind of tricky with narcissists because they are driven by strong emotion, but they restrain themselves enough that their approach can seem methodical and emotionless. They put on an "air" of cool and calm, but they're really not. I think it's a control thing.
You might be able to apply it if understanding what causes the behavior helps you figure out how best to act. For example, a psychopath after a goal is going to behave a lot differently than a narcissist having a rage fit. If you understand what's causing it, you might be able to counter it.