Aggression Flashcards
What are the two types of aggression?
Reactive and Proactive
what is reactive aggression?
‘hot blooded’ often impulsive and accompanied by physiological arousal
what is proactive aggression?
‘cold blooded’ planned methods
what are the 3 biological explanations of aggression?
Neural mechanisms (limbic system & serotonin)
hormonal mechanisms (testosterone)
genetics (MAOA gene)
What is the limbic system regulated by?
the prefrontal cortex
What are the structures found in the limbic system?
cingulate gyrus, septal area, hypothalamus, fonix, amygdala and thalamus.
which part of the limbic system is most associated with aggression?
the amygdala - associated with emotional behaviour
What is the function of the amygdala?
control fear responses, secretion of hormones, arousal and formation of emotional memories
What level of activity in the amygdala is associated with aggression?
high levels
but also reduced amygdala volume
What are the 3 studies to support the limbic system?
LeDoux (1996) - lab rats
Mark & Ervin (1970) - Guitar lady
Pardini et all (2014) - longitudinal study
what did LeDoux (1996) find?
lab rats electrically stimulated at the amygdala produced a fear and rage response
however,
Egger and Flynn (1963) suggested that depending on which area of the amygdala is stimulated as to which response is given.
Destruction in the amygdala showed calmness in both animals and humans
What did Mark & Ervin (1970) find?
“Julie” had epilepsy and electrodes were placed at the amygdala, while playing guitar it was stimulated and Julie smashed the guitar against the wall
What did pardini et al (2014) find?
reduced amygdala volume MRI scans
:( only on males
:) confounding variables
what does the prefrontal cortex control?
impulse
damaged or reduced activity (hypoactivity) associated with aggression
what are 2 studies to evaluate the prefrontal cortex?
Coccaro et al (2007) - 10 violent 10 healthy , reduced orbifrontal cortex
Raine et al (1997) - 41 murderer PET , reduced PFC activity :) objective
