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Neural and Hormonal Mechanisms in Aggression

Neural and Hormonal Mechanisms in Aggression. Neurotransmitters. Chemicals that enable impulses in the brain. Transmit form one area of the brain to the other. Low levels of SEROTONIN and high levels of DOPAMINE have been linked to aggression in animals (and humans!). SEROTONIN.

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Neural and Hormonal Mechanisms in Aggression

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  1. Neural and Hormonal Mechanisms in Aggression

  2. Neurotransmitters • Chemicals that enable impulses in the brain. • Transmit form one area of the brain to the other. • Low levels of SEROTONIN and high levels of DOPAMINE have been linked to aggression in animals (and humans!)

  3. SEROTONIN • Thought to reduce aggression by inhibiting responses to emotional stimuli. • Low levels of serotonin in the brain is associated with increased susceptibility to impulsive behaviour. • Some drugs alter serotonin levels and increase aggressive behaviour. • Mann et al. (1990) gave drug dexfenfluramine to 35 healthy subjects – increased hostility )in males)

  4. DOPAMINE • Some link between high levels of dopamine and aggression. • Use of amphetamines linked to increases in aggressive behaviour (Lavine, 1997) • Antipsychotics reduce dopamine activity have reduced aggressive behaviour in violent delinquents (Buitelaar, 2003)

  5. HORMONAL MECHANISMS • Testosterone • The male sex hormone • Influence aggression from young adulthood. • Research Studies – Dabbs et al (1987) Criminals – Higher testosterone levels has a history of primarily violent crimes

  6. HORMONAL MECHANISMS - testosterone b) The challenge hypothesis – Wingfield et al (1990) in monogamous species testosterone levels should only rise above the baseline breeding level in response to SOCIAL CHALLENGES (male-male aggression) A testosterone surge is expected with an increase in aggression

  7. HORMONAL MECHANISMS • Cortisol • Has a mediating effect on aggression-related hormones because it increases anxiety and social withdrawal. (Dabbs et al., 1991) • High levels of cortisol can inhibit testosterone levels.

  8. STUDIES • Meta-analysis studies, showing the link between aggression and • A) Neurotransmitters • B) Testosterone

  9. Reductionism • What is biological reductionism? • GENDER BIAS: Is aggression a male phenomenon?

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