BIOLOGICAL hormones as an explanation of aggression Flashcards
what is a hormone
chemical substances produced by glands that travel through the blood stream to a target organ/gland
how are hormones differnet to electrical impulses
electrical impulses travel extremely quickly but hormones have a slower effect on organs and glands
electrical impulses are carried by neurons but hormones carried in the bloodstream
what are the four hormones we study
- testosterone
- adrenaline
- cortisol
- progesterone
what is the function of testosterone and where is it secreted
- steroid hormone linked to muscle development and aggression
- secreted in the testis in males and lesser in females
- increases with puberty and produced in spurts - effective in minutes
what does testosterone cause
- influences areas of the brain that control behaviour (amygdala and hypothalamus)
how does testosterone correlate with aggression
high levels = higher levels of aggression
where is adrenaline produced and what is the function
- produced in teh adrenal gland
- linked to fight or flight reaction - a need to be physically strong or fast
what does adrenaline cause
- increase heart rate and breathing rates
- increases blood flow to muscles
- causes pupil dialation which increases visual range to detect threats
hwo does adrenaline correlate to aggression
high levels = higher levels of aggression
where is cortisol produced and what is the function
- produced in the adrenal glands
- main job is to manage stress and inhibit aggression
who mainly has more cortisol between men and women
women generally have higher cortisol levels than men
how does cortisol correlate to aggression
low levels = higher levels of aggression
what gender mainly have more progesterone and what is the function
women - linked to maternal instincts in nurturing children
what is the medication given to increase progesterone and whos it given to
Depo-Provera - given to sex offenders to lower aggression and sexual urges
how does progesterone correlate to aggression
lower levels = higher levels of aggression