ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a broad overview of the biology of human aggression and discusses how those findings can contribute to a solution for violence in society. In general, human aggression can be divided into two subtypes: controlled-instrumental and reactive-impulsive. Humans display extensive individual variations in the propensity toward aggressive behaviour. This variation can result from heritable genetic components, environmental influences, or a combination of both. The research efforts have provided evidence for genetic, neuroanatomical, biochemical, and hormonal correlates of aggression and violence. The distinct brain regions that make up the neural circuits of aggression communicate with one another through a variety of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. Though biological factors may predispose an individual to aggression, environmental factors exert an important influence in modulating the behaviour. Childhood maltreatment is a risk factor for criminality and antisocial behaviour, including hostility and violence. Situational stress can influence the probability that an individual will become aggressive.
