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 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

Only have to know first line for Final

Neurotransmitters Dopamine Norepinephrine Serotonin GABA

Hormonal Testosterone Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) 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