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9 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
Neural/Hormonal [P1] Bio Approach Assumptions |
Aggression caused by differences in biological makeup rather than environmental factors Studies show that criminals are high in the hormone Testosterone - castration would stop them from killing? Not that simple - Cortisol and neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine have been linked |
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Neural/Hormonal [P2 - 1] Dabbs (1987) |
Testosterone - male sex hormone, influences aggression - action on the brain Violent and non-violent criminals saliva was tested for testosterone levels Highest = history of primarily violent crime Lowest levels = non-violent crime There are discrepancy's with impact of testosterone on aggression |
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Neural/Hormonal [P2 - 2] Albert (1993) |
Despite studies showing positive correlation between testosterone and aggression Others show no relationship particularly those that compared testosterone in less aggressive and aggressive individuals Studies that showed positive correlation involved a small sample size of men in prisons self report measures used or subjective judgements on severity of crime committed |
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Neural/Hormonal [P3 - 1] Serotonin |
Serotonin = calming effect Low levels = Aggression Pre-frontal cortex functions to prevent aggression = inhibiting aggressive impulses Low levels in that region, less able to control aggressive impulses and aggressive responses |
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Neural/Hormonal [P3 - 2] Dopamine |
Dopamine associated with high levels of aggression Plays a reinforcing role Individuals seek out aggressive encounters because of rewarding sensations caused by these chemical increases Related to the way dopamine is produced in response to rewarding stimuli e.g. sex and food where aggression becomes related to dopamine increases instead |
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Neural/Hormonal [P3 - 3] Buitelaar (2006) |
Antipsychotics that can reduce dopamine activity reduce aggressive behaviour in violent delinquents
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Neural/Hormonal [P4] Scerbo & Raime (1993) |
Meta-analysis - 29 studies Neurotransmitter levels in anti-social children and adults Lower levels serotonin = described as being aggressive but found no significant rise or fall in dopamine levels Indications of reduced levels of serotonin were found in all anti-social groups - particularly those who attempted suicide Suggesting - serotonin depletion leads to impulsive behaviour, which may lead to aggressive behaviour in varying forms |
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Neural/Hormonal [P5] Bond (2005) |
Depressants Low levels Serotonin associated with low impulse control and aggressive behaviour Drugs that clinically raise these levels should produce a concurrent lowering in aggression This happens in clinical studies of antidepressant drugs that elevate serotonin levels Tend to reduce irritability and impulsive aggression |
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Neural/Hormonal [P6] Real Life Applications |
Antidepressants reduce/control aggression/depression = not an ideal outcome as it doesn't tackle the cause This approach believes neurotransmitters are the only factor - challenged by the Diathesis Stress Model suggesting combination of environmental factors and genetics Suggesting concentrating on neural/hormones doesn't present us with the full picture Environment must have an influence Reducing the significance of the approach |