neural and hormonal mechanism in aggression

Question 1

who linked the limbic system to emotional behaviour

Answer 1

1. Papez (1937)
2. Maclean (1952)

Question 2

what are the limbic system

Answer 2

• hypothalamus
• amygdala
• hippocampus

Question 3

link between amygdala and aggression

Answer 3

the more responsive the amygdala is the more aggressive a person is

Question 4

who subjected participants to mild provocation

Answer 4

Gospic et al (2011)

Question 5

results of Gospic et al experiment

Answer 5

• when participants reacted aggressively FMRI scans showed heightened response by the amygdala
• when the participants were given a benzodiazepie drug (reduces arousal of the ANS) amygdala activity decreased and the number of rejections (aggressive behaviour) halted

Question 6

effects of serotonin on neuronal activity

Answer 6

slows and calms it down

Question 7

what does OFC stand for

Answer 7

Obitofrontal cortex

Question 8

link between the OFC and serotonin

Answer 8

normal levels of serotonin in the OFC are linked with reduced neural firing which is associated with greater self control
- decrease serotonin disrupts this reducing self control and leads to an increase in impulsive behaviour

Question 9

who studies the link between the OFC and serotonin

Answer 9

Denson et al 2012

Question 10

strength of limbic system

Answer 10

drugs and serotonin
- drugs that increase serotonin also reduce levels of aggression
- when Benson et al (2009) gave participants paroxetine they administrated less electric shocks

Question 11

limitation of the limbic system

Answer 11

other brain structure
- non limbic brain structures are also involved in aggression
- the OFC is involved in aggression but is not a part of the limbic system
- OFC activity is reduced in psychiatric disorders that feature aggression (Coccoro et al 2007)