Summary Overview of key aspects to neural and hormonal mechanisms in aggression
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Course
Aggression
Institution
AQA
Key notes and facts, as well as key case studies to describe the neural and hormonal mechanisms within aggression. Has key information on parts of the brain, limbic system and the hormonal influence on aggression. Notes were taken from 2nd year a-level studies
Aggression 1
Neural and hormonal mechanisms
14-01-21
Neural mechanisms
In our brain we have a network of structures
o The Limbic System
o It is related to aggression
The amygdala
Plays a key role in humans and animals
Impacts our response to an environment, threats and challenges
The limbic system
Gospic et al 2011
Used a lab experiment to assess aggressive behaviour
o Proposer offers to split a sum of money
o If the responder accepts then the money is split
o During the game they underwent an fMRI
o When unfair offers were rejected, the amygdala was very active
o Benzodiazepine was a drug that was found to be effective at reducing
activity in the area
Serotonin
Neurotransmitter
Has inhibitory effects on the brain
o Slows and dampens neuronal activity
Normal levels are linked with reduced firing of neurones = Self-control
Decreased levels disturb the mechanisms = No self-control = Aggression
Virkkunen et al (1994)
o Compared levels of serotonin in the breakdown of products
o Looked at violent impulsive and violent non-impulsive
o Found that levels were lower in impulsive offenders
o Also that they experienced more sleep irregularities
Serotonin also regulates sleep patterns
o Disturbances are known to affect aggression levels
Hormonal mechanisms
Testosterone and progesterone
Observed that men are more aggressive than women
Testosterone is believed to impact this
o It regulates social behaviour
o Male sex hormone
Giammanco et al (2005)
o Used animal studies to show that increases in testosterone are greater
related to aggressive behaviour
Dolan et al (2001)
o Found a positive correlation between testosterone levels and aggression
in male maximum security hospitals
Evidence shows that progesterone affects aggression in women
Exam questions
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