3.2.6 hormones and aggression Flashcards
Endocrine system definition
Series of glands that produce and secrete hormones that the body uses for a wide range of functions
Glands definition
Organs of the body that produce a substance that is needed, eg hormones, sweat or saliva
Oxytocin definition
A hormone released by the posterior pituitary gland which has been shown to increase trust between people
Pituitary gland definition
Small organ at the base of the brain, which produces hormones that control the growth and development of the body
Androgen definition
A chemical that develops or maintains male characteristics
What are hormones?
chemical messengers of the body
What can hormones affect?
can affect things such as metabolism and mood as well as reproduction and sexual function
How do hormones differ from neurotransmitters?
travel in the bloodstream at a much slower rate
How do hormones work?
bind to receptor proteins in target cells and change cell function
What could trigger hormone secretion?
other hormones
activity at the neuronal level
environment
stress
How do hormones affect behaviour?
based on when hormones are released and how concentrated they are
What is the link between testosterone and aggression?
much evidence implies higher testosterone causes more aggression, generally accepted that men are more aggressive than women
What is dual hormone hypothesis?
an interaction between the systems responsible for regulating aggression and stress response, following levels of testosterone and cortisol
What is cortisol?
hormone secreted by adrenal glands to protect body against effects of stress
Link between cortisol and aggression
-high levels of testosterone lead to aggression when cortisol is low
-when cortisol is high, testosterone influences on aggression are blocked
Evidence for dual hormone hypothesis
Arne Popma et al found this association when adolescent males were faced with physical violence, combined activity of the hormones is more reliable
Evidence for testosterone aggression in women
Dabbs and Hargrove measured testosterone in 87 female inmates, degree of criminal violence positively correlated with testosterone level
2 explanation for female aggression
-hormonal fluctuation can increase hostility
-testosterone levels can still enhance aggression
Evidence against testosterone aggression in women
Eissenger et al found women who were given testosterone dose behavued generously and sociable in negotiating game- complex link
What is adrenaline?
-stress hormone released from adrenal glands that prepares body for fight or flight
-paired with noradrenaline and influenced by limbic system, can cause aggression
How does adrenaline work?
-causes temporary increase in activity and aggression
-release of adrenaline can cause aggression, not the fight/flight response itself
Role of hormones in explaining aggression strengths
-evidence for testosterone: Dabbs et al measured testosterone levels in saliva of 89 inmates and found that it was higher in 10/11 violent criminals
-high application: hormones can be approximated without testing (eg adolescent males have high testosterone) so schools can prevent aggression and be understanding
Role of hormones in explaining aggression weaknesses
-how good is the research: valid objective measures but low generalisability as small sample of 89 males who uniquely live in prison
-comparison: SLT could explain as Bnadura showed children learn by imitation, girls showed around 5 times more aggressive and boys showed 6 times after observation
