What characterizes Hostile Aggression?

Hostile aggression is primarily characterized by feelings of anger that lead to the intention to cause harm to another individual. This type of aggression is typically impulsive and driven by emotional responses rather than strategic goals. When someone acts out in a rage or in response to perceived threats or provocations, their behavior is often unplanned and focused on hurting others to release their own emotional distress.

In contrast, the other options describe different motives or contexts for aggressive behaviors. For example, achieving a specific goal typically relates more to instrumental aggression, where the aggression is a means to an end rather than a spontaneous reaction to anger. Self-defense implies a protective response rather than an aggressive intent to harm merely for the sake of it. Lastly, social misunderstandings can lead to aggressive incidents, yet this does not encapsulate the emotional essence of hostile aggression, which is centered around anger and the desire to inflict pain.