Aggression Flashcards
(14 cards)
What is aggression?
Behaviour which causes harm physically or psychologically to oneself, others or objects
How is aggression expressed?
Physically, verbally, emotionally, mentally
What are the 2 types of aggression?
Impulsive aggression = unplanned, led by strong emotions
Instrumental aggression = carefully planned, with the intention of achieving a goal
What are the two components of the limbic system?
The Amygdala and the Hippocampus
In who can the amygdala be found?
Humans and animals
What is the amygdala responsible for?
Quickly evaluating the emotional importance of sensory information and prompting a response, creating a response to threat
How can the amygdala lead to an increase in aggression?
Stimulating the amygdala can lead to an increase/decrease in aggression
Heightened activity in the amygdala = increase in aggression
What is the hippocampus involved in?
The formation of long term memorisa
What does the hippocampus allow during time of threat?
The comparison of current events to similar past experiences
What would a damaged hippocampus prevent the nervous system from doing?
Being able to put things into relevant, meaningful contexts
What would a damaged hippocampus cause the amygdala to do?
Respond inappropriately to sensory stimuli - higher levels of aggression
Who conducted the research support for the role of the amygdala?
Gospic et al 2011
What was the procedure of the study conducted by Gospic et al into research of the amygdala?
Participants were subjected to mild aggression. FMRIs showed that when ppts behaved aggressively, there was a fast response from the amygdala. A benzodiazepine drug was taken before the aggression which decreased the activity in the amygdala and as a result lowered aggression levels . Therefore, showing the amygdala has a role to play in aggression
