NCJ Number
103437
Date Published
1987
Length
246 pages
Annotation
This book presents a physiological-experimental model to explain aggressive and violent human behavior and examines the potential for inhibiting aggression.
Abstract
The author defines aggression as 'overt behavior involving intent to inflict noxious stimulation or to behave destructively toward another organism.' The description of the 'bio-experiential' model of aggression uses empirical evidence to document the existence of organized neural systems in the brain for various kinds of aggression. When these systems are active in the presence of particular stimuli, the organism has an increased tendency to behave aggressively. Aggressive behavior is thus stimulus-bound and dependent on the functional integrity of the relevant neural systems. The neural systems' sensitivity for aggression may be raised or lowered by specific blood components, particularly from the endocrine system. Aggressive behavior, as with any behavior, is influenced by learning under the stimuli of rewards and punishments. Learning can reinforce or inhibit aggressive behavior. The book discusses the modulation of aggression thresholds (level of stimuli required to produce aggressive behavior) and disorders that facilitate aggression. An examination of the potential for inhibiting aggression focuses on learning, direct neurological interventions, and hormonal and pharmaceutical interventions. The concluding chapter considers the influence of territoriality on aggression. The appendix considers drugs and aggression inhibition. Glossary, 631 references, and subject index.