1. Biological Determinants of Aggression

2. Overview of Biology/Physiology
Evolution (we already talked about)
Genetic
Neurotransmitters
Hormonal
Structural
Biology/Physiology is probabilistic, not deterministic (so how to prevent aggression?)

3. 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

4. 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

5. Only have to know first line for Final

6. Neurotransmitters
Dopamine
Norepinephrine
Serotonin
GABA

7. 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

9. 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