Are humans naturally aggressive?

Introduction

The nature of human aggression has been a subject of scientific inquiry, with various studies exploring its biological, genetic, and evolutionary underpinnings. The question of whether humans are naturally aggressive encompasses a range of perspectives, including the role of hormones, brain mechanisms, developmental factors, and genetic influences.

Key Insights

Human aggression does not appear to be directly linked to testosterone levels, as variations in aggression are not consistently associated with serum testosterone, nor do they correlate with hormonal changes such as puberty, castration, or administration of exogenous testosterone.
Aggression in humans shares characteristics with defensive aggression found in nonprimate mammals, such as being present across all ages, displayed by both genders, and not dependent on seasonal hormone levels or sexual activity. Neurological evidence suggests that human aggression may be rooted in the brain's mechanisms for defensive behavior.
From an ethological perspective, human aggression is considered to have adaptive value for resource competition and self-protection, with brain mechanisms related to anger and inhibition playing a role. Aggression in humans is also seen as an early developmental behavior that is later modified through learned inhibition.
Genetic and neurobiological research indicates that aggression in humans can be a physiological trait with evolutionary significance. However, when expressed inappropriately, it leads to social maladjustment and crime. Current findings suggest that distinct neurobiological pathways to aggression exist, which could inform targeted treatments and prevention strategies.

Conclusion

The synthesis of the research suggests that human aggression is a complex behavior that is not solely determined by testosterone or other hormones. It may have a biological foundation similar to defensive aggression in other mammals and is influenced by brain mechanisms, development, and potentially genetic factors. Aggression has adaptive origins and is subject to modification through experience and learning. Understanding the various pathways leading to aggression could be key in developing more effective interventions.

Are humans naturally aggressive?

Summary

Introduction

Key Insights

Conclusion

Sources and full results

Aggression in humans: What is its biological foundation?

Human aggression has its biological roots in defensive aggression in nonprimate mammals, rather than hormone-dependent aggression based on testosterone.

The nature of human aggression.

Human aggression has adaptive value, involving resource competition and protection of self and offspring, and is influenced by brain mechanisms, development, and learned inhibition.

The genetics of aggression: Where are we now?

This special issue explores the genetic and neurobiological basis for aggression, aiming to develop new strategies for prevention and treatment.

The neurobiological basis of human aggression: A review on genetic and epigenetic mechanisms

Genetic and epigenetic factors contribute to the development of human aggression, with aminergic systems regulating both proactive and reactive aggression and endocrine pathways affecting reactive aggression through modulation of impulsivity.

Aggression: myth or model?

Aggression is not inherent in animals' nature, and if it is, it should be clearly defined and not applied to their social cohesion.

[Aggressiveness in humans].

Aggressiveness in humans is a deeply-rooted biological feature, with its underlying mechanisms influenced by biology, ecology, and psychology, and can be treated effectively.

Human aggression in evolutionary psychological perspective.

Aggression in humans evolved as a context-sensitive solution to social problems, including co-opting resources, defending against attack, inflicting costs on same-sex rivals, negotiating status and power hierarchies, and deterring future aggression.

Neural mechanisms of aggression across species

Aggression across species is mediated by an evolutionarily conserved 'core aggression circuit' composed of four subcortical regions, influenced by the animal's internal state and past experiences.

What can animal aggression research tell us about human aggression?

Laboratory rodent aggression research suggests parallels with human angry aggression, including resource competition motives, fear of defeat, and targeting of blows.

Human Aggression

The general aggression model (GAM) unifies various theories on human aggression, focusing on cognition, affect, and arousal to mediate effects of situational and personological variables.

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