Neural and hormonal mechanisms in aggression, including the roles of the limbic system, serotonin and testosterone
Certain brain structures and body chemicals influence how aggressively a person behaves. The limbic system, the hormone testosterone, and the neurotransmitter serotonin all play key roles.
Real World
Research on MMA fighters shows they have elevated testosterone before bouts but reduced serotonin activity compared to non-fighters, linking both hormonal and neural mechanisms to real competitive aggression.
Exam Focus
Specify the direction of each chemical's effect — low serotonin increases aggression, high testosterone increases it — to secure AO1 marks.
Evaluation Scaffold
A four-step framework for high-quality evaluation. Use this for 'assess', 'evaluate', and 'to what extent' questions.
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