The Impact of Serotonin and Dopamine on Human Aggression: A Systematic Review of the Literature

<p>Aggressive behaviors can have serious impacts on both the population at-large and the criminal justice system (Fish, DeBold, & Miczek, 2002); but despite these potential repercussions, no adequate treatment options have been identified to prevent (or reduce) such consequential actions. An increasing amount of research has, however, developed (over the years) in response to these treatment needs. Recently, the disciplines of neurobiology and neuropsychology have discovered specific anti-aggressive treatments. Studies on the prefrontal cortex specifically reveal that certain areas of the brain, along with an array of chemical imbalances, are related to aggressive behavior (Barrett, Edinger, & Siegel, 1990). Specifically, serotonin and dopamine imbalances in the prefrontal cortex were found to contribute to more aggressive behavior (Giammanco, Tabacchi, Giammanco, Di Majo, & La Guardina, 2005). Using a systematic review of the literature as the primary methodology, this study analyzed academic literature over a recent 20-year period (1992-2012) for indicators regarding the potential impact of serotonin and dopamine on human behavior.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts (MA)

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Criminal Justice

Year dc:date.available

2014

Author dc:creator

• Jalain, Caroline Isabelle

Contributors dc:contributor

• Lisa Nored
• Thomas Panko
• Mary Evans

• serotonin
• dopamine
• human aggression
• neurotransmitters
• Criminology and Criminal Justice
• Legal Studies
• Social and Behavioral Sciences

Repository record dc:identifier

https://aquila.usm.edu/masters_theses/6

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:aquila.usm.edu:masters_theses-1011