Neural Correlates of Coalitionary and Violent Behavior Tendencies

摘要

The primary objective of this project was to provide the first experimental test of OT's possible causal role in the disinhibition of aggressive behavior in humans. This research was designed to investigate a likely hormonal link between a neurotransmitter implicated in coalition- building and increased willingness to engage in aggressive behavior. Potential applications of this research include increasing our ability to predict and influence aggressiveness by better understanding the interaction between group cohesion, trust, and moral leadership on coalitional violence. The purpose of this research was to investigate the role of the hormone oxytocin (OT) on the aggressive behaviour of men and lactating or non-lactating women. In addition, the relationship of fear to aggressive behaviour was also investigated. Using measures of blood pressure, heart rate, salivary oxytocin, and vigilance toward threatening faces we found that lactational status alone increased aggression. We also found that lactating women were more aggressive than both the never- pregnant female control group and non-lactating mothers.