Prefrontal Cortex - Role in Aggression

Question 1

What did Bechara & Van der Linden (2005) do?

Answer 1

They reviewed studies that looked at the prefrontal cortex.

Question 2

What did Bechara & Van der Linden conclude?

Answer 2

They concluded that the prefrontal cortex seems to regulate behaviour and defer rewards, so it is about planning.

Question 3

What did Bechara & Van der Linden link the ventromedial cortex to?

Answer 3

Decision-making.

Question 4

What does damage to the prefrontal cortex mean?

Answer 4

That someone might focus on the present and not be able to plan long term, and this would tend to mean wanting immediate rewards too.

Question 5

Why could damage to the prefrontal cortex mean that someone isn’t able to control aggressive reactions?

Answer 5

Because it’s about controlling & regulating behaviour and emotions.

Question 6

The prefrontal cortex has links to the amygdala. What can this suggest about aggression?

Answer 6

Messages from the amygdala are inhibited. If the prefrontal cortex is damaged, then they won’t be inhibited. Thus, the link to violent behaviour.