Neural And Hormonal - Aggression Flashcards
Neurotransmitters
Chemicals that allow impulses to be transmitted around the brain
All behaviour is influenced by their action
Serotonin
Exerts a calming effect and inhibits the action of neurotransmitters
Low levels = aggression
Mann
Weight loss drug to 35 adults
Depleted serotonin
Questionnaires used to asses hostility and agg
Found agg increased after treatment
Only men
Could be caused by low serotonin metabolism causing an increase in receptors which lessens the effect of the serotonin
Aurora and Meltzer
Found a relationship between violent suicides and increased serotonin receptors
Mann
Pps with high serotonin receptors completed more violent suicides
Agg against ones self is different to against other people
Badawy
Investigated why people become agg when drinking
Found that alcohol stops the metabolism of serotonin
The depletion = agg
Dopamine
High levels correlate with increased agg
Dopamine antagonist- block action of dopamine in body
Antipsychotic drugs - block receptors
Both used successfully to decrease violent behaviour
Dopamine is produced in response to rewarding stimuli
Coupis
Dopamine plays a role in reinforcing agg
Some intentionally seek out agg behaviour for the rewarding sensation
Ferrari
Rat fought for 10 days at same time
11th day no fight
Serotonin levels depleted and dopamine increased with anticipation
The experience changed the rats brain chemistry
Extrapolating to humans?
Dopamine effect is hard to study - low levels = limits movement so not agg or just cant move??
Testosterone
Males in testes
Females a little
Produces make characteristics
Peaks in young adult males
Makes it more likely that agg will be expressed
Previous experiences trigger the agg behaviour
Evidence
Inconsistent
Relationship far from clear cut
Some evidence to support some don’t
Cortisol
Important role in the body’s response to stress
Inhibits the likelihood of agg
Low levels = agg
Studies shown low levels in violent offenders and violent school kids
Evidence
Inconsistent
No significant difference against controls (normal levels)
Some found high levels = agg
Nature
Biology is the main cause of aggression blaming an imbalance in neurotransmitters
Deterministic
If you have these imbalances you will be aggressive it doesn’t allow for other explanations
You have no choice you are predisposed
