Aggression

what is aggression

behaviour intended to cause harm or assert dominance over another individual

what is intermale aggression

physical aggression between males; linked to testosterone in many species

describe how do androgens affect aggression?

increase in animals

weaker positive link in humans and influenced by experience & dominance

what is proactive aggression

planned, goal-oriented aggression used as a means to an end

what is reactive aggression

impulsive, emotionally charged aggression in response to a perceived threat or provocation

what is the adaptive significance of aggression

secure resources

protect territory

establish dominance

deter rivals

how does experiences affect testosterone

winners show post-competition testerone spikes; losers show drops

what is the dominance effect

testerone promotes status-protective behaviours; affect attention to threat

what is the role of testosterone in aggression

linked to increased aggression, especially in competitive or dominance contexts

what are some of the other hormones that affect aggression?

cortisol (stress hormone; low levels linked to impulsive aggression)

vasopressin (linked to territorial and defensive aggression)

which neurotransmitters influence aggression

low serotonin → reduced impulse control & increased reactive aggression

dopamine → reinforcement of aggressive acts

GABA → inhibitory effects on aggression

what are the key traits of psychopathy

charm

low remorse

poor fear conditioning

reduced prefrontal activity

what are the behavioural traits of psychopathy

superficial charm

manipulativeness

lack of empathy

impulsivity

chronic antisocial behaviour

how does psychopathy relate to aggression

more likely to engage in proactive, calculated aggression rather than reactive aggression