Brain functioning as an explanation of aggression Flashcards
Which areas of the brain are associated with aggression?
PAG
Amygdala
Hypothalamus
Prefrontal Cortex
How is the amygdala associated with aggression?
The amygdala is responsible for our emotions, behaviour and motivation.
When it is stimulated we display aggression or fear. People with amygdala problems/damage may be overly aggressive as the information is misinterpreted and so act inappropriately.
Can cause people to be under or overly aggressive depending on area damaged and to what extent it’s damaged.
How is the PAG associated with aggression?
Links the amygdala and hypothalamus to the pre frontal cortex.
Co-ordinates someone’s behaviour in response to stressors, both internal and external.
How is the Hypothalamus associated with aggression?
Uses hormones to keep our body in homeostasis including testosterone in males.
Has receptors that determine aggression levels through interactions with serotonin and vasopressin.
Lateral parts of hypothalamus are associated with anger and aggression
When activated anger is usually in the form of kicking, biting and throwing objects
How is the prefrontal cortex associated with aggression?
Responsible for social interactions and controlling our behaviour, allowing us to delay gratification of our impulses.
If it is damaged we may be under the control of or impulses, such as anger management issues.
Inhibits the amygdala, so can reduce aggression.
If damaged it can no longer inhibit the amygdala.
Strengths of brain functioning as an explanation of aggression
Flynn (2006) - found stimulating the lateral area of the hypothalamus in cats led to predatory aggression. (But this is predatory aggression, not rage aggression, and humans don’t have this)
Zagrodzka et al (1998) - carried out research on cats and found damage to the amygdala was significant in inducing predator like attacks
