Poster #24

Neuropsychology of Aggression (formerly known as Brain and Violence)

By: Sharlene Paulino

Abstract:

Violence and aggression are portrayed in many different ways, from yelling at the driver in the car in front for cutting you off on the road to an individual who starts a mass shooting at a high school. To understand these different types of violent behaviors, we must first get to the root of all behaviors, the brain. This paper will address the neuroanatomy of violence and aggression, focusing on some areas of the brain. Equally, neuropsychological functions are associated with these brain regions, such as perception of threat and emotional response variation. To conclude, we will review these findings with an emphasis on reconciling inconsistencies and possible clinical implications; and then recommend areas of focus for future instructions in the field.