The structure of the brain and aggression Flashcards
What are the 4 areas that we look at in relation to brain structure and aggression?
The role of the limbic system
The role of the pre-frontal cortex
The role of serotonin
The role of dopamine
Who linked the limbic structures to emotional behaviours such as aggression?
Papez & MacLean (1937)
What is the key structure for aggression?
Amygdala - located in the limbic system
Who studied people with Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED), a major feature of which is outbursts of extreme reactive aggression?
Coccaro et al (2007)
Participants brains were scanned by fMRI while they viewed images of faces. IED participants showed high levels of amygdala activity when viewing angry faces.
Which part of the pre-frontal cortex functions in tandem with the Amygdala?
Orbitofrontal Cortex (OFC) - it plays an important role in higher cognitive functions and is also involved in self-control, impulse regulation and inhibition of aggressive behaviours.
What did Raine find in relation to the amygdala and OFC of the murderers?
More activity in the amygdala
Less activity in the OFC
How is serotonin linked to aggression?
Decreased serotonin in the OFC may disturb behavioural self control leading to more impulsive behaviours.
Who compared levels of serotonin in the cerebrospinal fluid of violent offenders?
Virkkunen et al (1994) - Levels of serotonin were significantly lower in the impulsive offenders.
What interacts with serotonin to have an influence on aggression?
Dopamine
Who claims that serotonin underactivity stimulates dopamine overactivity and both are linked with impulsivity and aggression?
Seo et al (2008)
Who completed a longitudinal study into the role of the amydala and aggression?
Pardini et al (2014) found that over a 20 year period, 56 males consistently behaved aggressively.
fMRI scans found a strong negative correlation between aggression and amygdala volumes.
This is strong support for the influence of the amygdala.
What is a weakness of neural influences of aggression?
They are often correlational - studies find links between high levels of aggression and a brain function, dysfunction or structure.
This means it is impossible to establish whether a particular structure is a cause or effect of aggressive behaviour or whether a third variable is involved.
What are the practical benefits to understanding neural influences of aggression?
To discover a drug that affects the brain’s serotonin system, reducing aggressive behaviour with minimal side effects.
