Hormonal Explanations

• Testosterone

  ---> male sex hormone that controls development of male characteristics

  
  

  High levels = lowers activity in OFC, making it less able to regulate aggressive impulses = less self control

  High levels = reduce serotonin, limiting ability to calm impulses

  High levels = increase amygdala activity = aggressive impulses due to increased sensitivity to threats and emotional stimuli
• Strength/Limitation of hormonal mechanisms

  Strong empirical evidence

  Link between testosterone & aggression is supported

  • Dabbs et al - measured testosterone levels. Found increased levels in violent criminals compared to non violent criminals

  Most evidence is correlational

  Cannot be sure of cause and effect on how the 2 are linked. Relationship isn't clear or conclusive.

  + Most research was done in prisons ---> lack ecological validity
• Limitation of hormonal mechanisms

  Biologically reductionist

  Oversimplifies complex things into single process (hormones).

  Aggression may be due to social or environmental factors

  • e.g. those with decreased testosterone may still be aggressive
• Limitation of hormonal mechanisms

  Gender bias

  Most research for this is on males due to it being a male sex hormone

  Limits generalisability of how hormonal mechanisms influences female aggression

  • Research into this may produce different results