Neural And Hormonal Mechanisms In Aggression Flashcards
What predicts aggressive behaviour
Reactivity of limbic system
What did Papez identify
The limbic system as including the cingulate gyrus, hypothalamus, fornix and amygdala
What are important predictors of aggressive behaviour in humans
Speed and sensitivity of limbic system responses to stimuli
What is the amygdala strongly associated with
Aggression
What does the amygdala play a key role in?
How we assess and respond to environmental threats
What did Gospic et al do
Carried out brain scans on participants in a lab basedgame that provoked aggression
What did Gospic et al find
Scans showed aggressive reactions were associated with a fast and heightened response by the amygdala
What does benzodiazepine do
Reduces arousal of the autonomic nervous system
What happened when benzodiazepine was taken before the game
Number of aggressive reactions halved and amygdala activity decreased
What did low levels of serotonin result in
Reduced self-control and increased aggression
What are normal levels of serotonin in the orbitofrontal cortex linked with?
They’re inhibitory- linked with reduced firing of neurons and associated with greater behavioural self control
What does decreased serotonin do
Disturbs this mechanism - reduces self control and increases impulsive behaviour including aggression
What is testosterone
A homo responsible for the development of the masculine features
What does testosterone do
Helps regulate social behaviour via influence on areas of the brain involved in aggression
What did Dolan find
A positive correlation between testosterone levels and aggressive behaviour in male offenders in UK maximum security hospitals
