Neural + hormonal

• How is proactive aggression characterized?

  It is a planned method of getting what you want
• What are the two types of aggression mentioned?

  Proactive aggression and reactive aggression
• What defines reactive aggression?

  It is angry, impulsive, and accompanied by physiological arousal
• What is the limbic system?

  A set of neural structures located in the center of the brain
• Which structures are key to aggressive responses in the limbic system?

  The amygdala and hypothalamus
• What is the function of the limbic system in relation to aggression?

  It processes emotional responses such as aggression
• What role does the amygdala play in aggression?

  It is linked to the production of aggressive behaviors
• How does the amygdala respond to environmental threats?

  It assesses and triggers responses to threats
• What happens if the amygdala malfunctions?

  Testosterone levels can be raised, increasing aggression
• What does FMRI show during aggressive responses?

  Increased activity in the amygdala
• What is the role of the hypothalamus in aggression?

  It integrates and expresses emotional responses
• How does the hypothalamus trigger aggressive behavior?

  As part of the fight or flight response
• What does the orbitofrontal cortex control?

  Decision making related to aggression
• How does serotonin affect aggression?

  It calms aggressive impulses
• What is associated with low levels of serotonin in the orbitofrontal cortex?

  A reduced sense of self-control leading to aggression
• What is testosterone classified as?

  A male sex hormone/androgen
• When are testosterone levels highest in males?

  After the age of 20
• How do high levels of testosterone affect the orbitofrontal cortex?

  They lower activity, reducing self-control
• What effect does high testosterone have on the amygdala?

  It increases activity, triggering more aggressive impulses
• What do castration studies show about testosterone and aggression?

  Removing the testes reduces aggression in males
• What did Dolan et al find regarding testosterone and aggression?

  They found a positive correlation between testosterone levels and aggressive behaviors
• What correlation exists between progesterone levels and aggression?

  Low levels of progesterone are linked to increased aggression in women
• What is cortisol's role in the body's response to stress?

  It is a key hormone in the long-term response to stress
• What does high cortisol do to testosterone's influence?

  It blocks the influence of testosterone on the body
• What is the dual hormone hypothesis regarding testosterone and aggression?

  High testosterone leads to aggression only when cortisol levels are low
• What are the key components of the limbic system related to aggression?

  • Amygdala: linked to aggressive behaviors and threat assessment
  • Hypothalamus: integrates emotional responses and triggers aggression
• What findings support the relationship between hormones and aggression?

  • Castration studies show reduced aggression with removal of testes
  • Dolan et al found a positive correlation between testosterone and aggression
• What are the hormonal mechanisms influencing aggression?

  • Testosterone: linked to increased aggression in males
  • Progesterone: low levels linked to increased aggression in women
  • Cortisol: low levels associated with aggression; high levels block testosterone's influence