ABSTRACT

This chapter considers neurobiological influences on threat/frustration-based reactive aggressions and goal-directed instrumental aggression. Reactive aggression is mediated by a dedicated subcortical neural system that humans share with other mammalian species. It is suggested that this system is modulated by the amygdala and regions of the orbital and medial frontal cortex, and that dysfunction within these structures can dysregulate the individual’s response to threat. Instrumental aggression is goal-directed motor activity; the aggression is used to achieve a particular goal such as obtaining another individual’s money or increasing status within a group. Remarkable levels of instrumental aggression are displayed by individuals with psychopathy. Various models of instrumental aggression/psychopathy will be considered. However, it will be suggested that only the integrated emotion systems (IES) approach can account for the emergence of this disorder.