110 likes | 309 Views
Biological Determinants of Aggression. Overview of Biology/Physiology. Evolution (we already talked about) Genetic Neurotransmitters Hormonal Structural Biology/Physiology is probabilistic, not deterministic (so how to prevent aggression?). Genetics.
E N D
Overview of Biology/Physiology • Evolution (we already talked about) • Genetic • Neurotransmitters • Hormonal • Structural Biology/Physiology is probabilistic, not deterministic (so how to prevent aggression?)
Genetics • Behavioral genetic research has shown genes influences individual differences in a wide range of human behaviors: cognition, academic achievement, personality, temperament, and so forth. • What about aggression? • How studied? • Heritability • Environmental • Monozygotic twins • Dizygotic twins • Adoption studies • Adoptive siblings • Biological siblings • Findings • Clear evidence of • Mixed results of • Possible indirect effect through
Genetics • A chromosome is an organized structure of DNA and protein that is found in cells. • Men – XY • Women – XX • Y-Chromosome Hypothesis • XYY • X-Chromosome Hypothesis • XXY
Neurotransmitters • Dopamine • Norepinephrine • Serotonin • GABA
Hormonal • Testosterone • sex hormone and anabolic steroid that has mixed evidence to producing aggression, more likely about status and dominance so indirect relationship to aggression • Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) • inconclusive evidence its associated with aggression and criminality but see next slide for indirect relationship
Structural • Hypothalamus – located under the thalamus that controls several body functions, including feeding, breathing, drinking, and temperature. • Amygdala – an almond-shaped neural structure that regulates emotions. • Prefrontal cortex – implicated in planning complex cognitive behaviors • How to study? • Brain damage • Direct stimulation • Physiological Reactivity