AO1 aggression Flashcards
neural and hormonal mechanisms in agression
limbic system - amygdala / hypothalamus identified as emotional centre in the brain, fMRI shows increased amygdala activity in aggressive ppts, OFC is rational decision maker in brain, and regulates aggression from limbic system
serotonin - inhibitory, (lowers synaptic transmission), calming effect on brain, serotonin deficit hypothesis suggests lower than normal levels of serotonin in the orbitofrontal cortex resulting in less self - control
testosterone - males are more aggressive on average, they have 8x the level of hormone (androgen) than females, higher levels may lower activity in OFC and lower serotonin effectiveness
genetic factors explanations for aggression
MAOA gene - short variant of gene linked with aggression (warrior gene) 1/3 western men, reduces the amount of MAOA, an enzyme that breaks down serotonin, leading to more serotonin active in the brain
the environmental effect of child abuse need to be present before the MAO-L gene, diathesis stress
XXY gene variant (additional Y chromosome) was thought to create some “super males” taller, low in empathy, and high agg
geentics also influence the amount of testosterone in the body, this has been linked with agg
media influences on aggression explanations
media influences - increased aggression in viewer due via SLT processes and socialising aggression showing that aggression can be justified
effects of video games - player is directly aggression is reinforced in game (rewards/praise) , may reduce via catharsis
desensitisation - repeated exposure to extreme violence results in lower emotional reactions such as revulsion, making it easier for the viewer to be aggressive to others
disinhibition - media that aggression as justified (revenge) may reduce the normal restraints around the use of aggression, altering the viewers moral decision - making process
cognitive priming - media can give us social cues /schema/metal scripts on how to behave, similar situations as seen on tv act as priming stimuli, triggering the same aggressive behaviour that was viewed
