Developmental and individual
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How can prenatal stress affect aggression?
High maternal stress during pregnancy can alter foetal brain development and increase aggression risk later in life. Mechanism: Stress activates the mother’s: HPA axis Cortisol release Cortisol crosses the placenta and affects: Amygdala → emotional reactivity Prefrontal cortex → impulse control Hippocampus → emotional regulation Result: Child may develop: Higher stress sensitivity Poor impulse control Greater aggression
How does prenatal stress alter the foetal brain?
Brain changes: Increased amygdala volume → heightened emotional reactions Reduced PFC connectivity → weaker self-control Disrupted hippocampus development → poorer emotional regulation Outcome: Greater likelihood of: Aggression Emotional dysregulation Low frustration tolerance
How can maternal nutrition affect later aggression?
Poor nutrition or obesity during pregnancy can disrupt foetal brain development. Effects: Altered limbic system development Abnormal PFC development Changes in cortisol sensitivity Altered neural connectivity Consequence: Increased stress reactivity and aggressive behaviour later in life.
How does prenatal testosterone affect aggression?
Hormone levels change throughout life and affect behaviour. Adolescence: Testosterone increases Greater risk-taking and aggression Emotional sensitivity increases Adulthood: Hormones stabilise Better emotional regulation develops Older age: Hormonal decline may affect cognition and mood
How does brain development affect behaviour?
Childhood: Brain rapidly develops. Emotional centres mature earlier than control systems. Adolescence: Amygdala highly active. PFC still developing. Can lead to impulsivity/aggression. Adulthood: PFC fully developed (~25 years old). Improved planning and impulse control. Older age: Brain degeneration may impair memory and behaviour.
individual diff - The Warrior Gene
The “warrior gene” refers to certain variants of the MAOA gene, which influence how the brain processes key neurotransmitters linked to stress, mood, and aggression. It does not predetermine violent behaviour, but research shows it can increase vulnerability to aggression when combined with adverse environments, such as childhood abuse. Everyone Has the MAOA Gene What differs is the variant (high-activity vs. low-activity). Only specific low-activity variants are linked to higher aggression risk