biological reasons for aggression

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  • biological reasons for aggression
    • neural mechanisms
      • damage/abnormality to specific brain areas
        • prefrontal cortex- known to be involved in impulse control
          • people  may find it difficult to control aggressive impulses
        • amygdala known to be involved in emotion
          • leads to  more anger which leads to more aggression
      • neurotransmitters
        • low levels of serotonin= more difficult to inhibit aggressive impulses
          • alcohol reduces serotonin
            • could explain the link between alcohol and aggression
        • dopamine may increase aggression
          • amphetamine abuse increases dopamine levels
          • Analgesics been shown to reduce aggressive behaviour
          • dopamine is also the main neurotransmitter of reward
    • hormonal mechanisms
      • testosterone makes people more aggressive
        • highest in young men
      • low cortisol is also linked to aggression
        • affects arousal
        • may act in aggressive ways to increase levels
    • genetic factors
      • aggressive behaviour may be inherited
      • MAOA (warrior gene)
        • MAOAL low activity version of this gene
      • if the person has had an aggressive upbringing
      • people may inherit specific personality traits

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