Neural and hormonal mechanisms in aggression Flashcards
What is the limbic system and what does it include?
A group of subcortical brain structures involved in emotion, including the amygdala, hypothalamus, and parts of the hippocampus.
What role does the amygdala play in aggression?
It helps assess and respond to environmental threats. High amygdala reactivity predicts aggressive behaviour.
What did Gospic’s study using fMRI find?
Heightened amygdala activity when participants were provoked, linking it directly to aggression
What is the role of serotonin in aggression?
It has inhibitory effects. Normal serotonin levels in the orbitofrontal cortex reduce neuron firing and promote self-control. Low levels → more impulsive and aggressive behaviour.
How is testosterone linked to aggression?
Higher testosterone levels are associated with increased aggression, especially in males during peak developmental periods.
What animal studies support testosterone’s role in aggression?
Castration reduces aggression; testosterone injections restore it. Similar trends found in violent human offenders
What did Dolan find about testosterone in humans?
A positive correlation between testosterone levels and aggression in male offenders with personality disorders.
How does progesterone relate to female aggression?
Low levels of progesterone (especially around menstruation) are linked to increased aggression in women.
What’s a limitation of the limbic system explanation?
A: It ignores other brain areas like the orbitofrontal cortex
Research shows reduced OFC activity in aggressive psychiatric disorders, highlighting its key role in impulse control.
What’s a strength of the serotonin explanation?
Experimental support—drugs that boost serotonin (e.g., paroxetine) reduce aggression in lab-based shock tasks (Berman, 2009).
What’s a strength of testosterone research from animal studies?
Findings in monkeys and rats show increased aggression with higher testosterone, and reduced aggression after castration.
What’s a limitation of testosterone research in humans?
Mixed results.
The dual-hormone hypothesis (Carré & Mehta) says testosterone increases aggression only when cortisol is low—highlighting a complex hormonal interaction.
