Discuss the role of neural and/or hormonal mechanisms in aggression

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Discuss the role of neural and/or hormonal mechanisms in aggression

The role of hormonal mechanisms play a significant role in aggression as high levels of testosterone and low levels of cortisol have been proven to influence aggressive behaviour. Testosterone has been thought to act on areas of the brain which control aggression from young childhood onwards because it lowers serotonin in the brain which leads to aggression as serotonin inhabits responses to environmental stimuli. Lindman et al (1987) found aggressive behaviour in drunken males positively correlated with testosterone levels. Cortisol is the other hormonal mechanism which inhibits other hormones such as testosterone. High levels of this are positive sign for the human body as it in effectively causes a reduction in aggression.

However low levels are associated with increased aggression, Vikuuen (1985) found low levels of cortisol in habitual violent offenders. As well as Hormonal mechanisms there are neural mechanisms that are associated with aggression. Low levels of serotonin are associated with increased susceptibility to impulse behaviour, aggression and violent suicide. Tamed animals have higher levels of serotonin than their wild ancestors. House cats are often beat up by wild cats due to their reduced aggression. High levels of dopamine are also associated with aggression. The link is not as well established as the one with serotonin; however Lavine (1997) found that giving amphetamines increase aggressive behaviour. The amygdala is a neural mechanism with is part of the brain structure that has been associated with aggression. Studies have proven hat reducing the size of it or damaging it can result in a reduction of aggressive behaviour in both animals and humans.  One of the earliest links was found by Kluver and Bucy (1930) who removed part of the temporal lubes of rhesus monkeys with resulted in damage of the amygdala. The monkeys experienced a change in behaviour with included a loss of fear and a marked taming effect. In humans, if an amygdalectomy is performed, violent behaviour of the individual is reduced, although emotion can be lost.

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Research from a variety of numerous psychologists has contributed to proving the role of neural and hormonal mechanisms in aggression.  Phineas Gage survived for a serious accident which left serious damage to his amygdala, although 11 years after there were noticeable changes to his personality. He went from being a happy and kind man to a cold and aggressive man, proving that damage to the amygdala is associated with aggression. However, the study lacks population validity and reliability as it is based on one individual. Raleigh et al conducted an experiment of vervet monkey to further support the association with ...

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