A 10 page research paper that examines research on brain chemistry and aggression that differentiates between the responses of males and females. This review of literature examines research that pertains to brain research and the neurotransmitters in the brain that have been shown to affect aggressive behavior. This body of data suggests that there are a discernible differences between the response of males and females to aggression and competitiveness that can be traced to differences in brain chemistry. Bibliography lists 4 sources.
Name of Research Paper File: D0_khhoragg.rtf
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in neurotransmitters whose activities may modulate behavior. For example, there is evidence that supports the idea that the male hormone testosterone is a "biological factor" that can affect aggressive behavior
(Simpson, 2001, p. 32). The following review of literature examines research that pertains to brain research and the neurotransmitters in the brain that have been shown to affect aggressive behavior.
This body of data suggests that there is a discernible differences between the response of males and females to aggression and competitiveness that can be traced to differences in brain
chemistry. Aggression and neurotransmitters Researchers who have investigated aggression at the neuro-chemical level have identified serotonin (5-HT) as the neurotransmitter "responsible for inhibitory control over aggression" (Driscoll, et al,
2006, p. 139). A history of aggressive behavior is associated with decreased levels of serotonin in cerebrospinal fluid and in whole blood (Driscoll, et al, 2006). Gender differences have been
found in regards to serotonin uptake, particularly in the frontal cortex, which is the area of the brain associated with behavioral inhibition (Driscoll, et al, 2006). Developmental psychologists have noted
an association between impulsivity and aggressive behavior. In 2001, the research team of Kochanska, Coy and Murray investigated compliant behavior among preschool children in relation to their mothers commands (Driscoll,
et al, 2006). In this study, it was found that girls at every age demonstrated "more self-regulated, committed compliance and less uncommitted, situational compliance than boys" (Driscoll, et al, 2006,
p. 139). This difference between the sexes in controlled behavior replicated the work of earlier studies that related controlled behavior to better regulation of anger and demonstrations of greater restraint
(Driscoll, et al, 2006). Similarly, Eisenberg, et al in 2001 investigated the relationship between "effortful (inhibitory) control and impulsivity in relation to externalizing and internalizing disorders in older children