How is aggression defined in social psychology?

In social psychology, aggression is defined as a behavior intended to harm another individual. This definition emphasizes the intentionality behind the behavior, highlighting that aggression involves a desire to inflict physical or psychological injury on someone else.

The other options present behaviors that do not conform to this definition. Helping behavior is characterized by actions aimed at assisting or benefiting others, which is fundamentally opposed to aggression. Similarly, behaviors that foster group cohesion aim to unite individuals rather than harm them. Lastly, behaviors aimed at achieving personal goals may involve competition or conflict but do not specifically denote an intention to harm; thus, they cannot be classified as aggression in the strict social psychology sense. Understanding aggression within this framework allows for a clearer comprehension of its implications in social interactions and psychological studies.