Aggression can be demonstrated by verbal or physical attack and may be an emotional or instrumental expression. There has been growing support for the explanation that many violent behaviors result from a self-protective response to perceived aggression. Similarly, the frustration-aggression hypothesis supports the idea that an individual who experiences frustration is more likely to react aggressively due to cognitive error. It is not entirely clear how this relates to the relationship between alcohol consumption and aggressive or violent behavior. A growing body of scientific evidence suggests that there is not a direct link between the two. It seems more likely that the interaction of neurobiochemical, psychological, situational, and cultural variables can explain the ties between alcohol and aggression.

When an individual is in an inebriated state, ...