SOP-3004 Lecture Notes - Lecture 18: Omega-3 Fatty Acid, Amygdala, Impulsivity
Document Summary
Aggression physical or verbal behavior intended to hurt another (i. e. , not accidents nor assertiveness) Hostile aggression emotional & usually impulsive; stems from anger; goal is to injure. Instrumental aggression injury for the purpose of another end goal (e. g. , robbery, war, terrorism) Instinct theory freud: aggression is instinctual and must be released (no evidence for this theory) Evolutionary psychology theory aggression is an adaptive strategy (particularly for men) for self-defense and status acquiring. Neural influences aggression may be trigged in response to brain stimulation (amygdala); individuals prone to aggression (e. g. , murderers) have less developed prefrontal cortexes. Genetic influences e. g. , animals can be bred for aggression; identical twins show similar aggression. Alcohol loss of control; less awareness/perspective; focuses on provocations; mentally associating alcohol and aggression (bar fights) Testosterone more testosterone = more aggression; Poor diet omega 3 fatty acids important for brain function; calcium guards against impulsivity (less amounts of these = increased aggression)
