ABSTRACT
The behavioral basis for biological development seemingly is a contradiction in logic and in prevailing perspectives on human development. Changes in biological processes most surely are not generally conceived of as products of aggressive encounters. Yet, in various species, cumulative evidence indicates that experiences, including aggressive behavior, lead to changes in physiological processes, specifically, endocrine changes (Booth, Shelley, Mazur, Tharp, & Kittok, 1989; Sapolsky, 1991). The perspective offered herein is that experiences may have a significant impact on neuroendocrine processes. Endocrine changes induced by experience may set in motion neurochemical and morphological changes that affect development in general and aggressive behavior in particular. This experience leading to a biological-change model contrasts with previous models that viewed biology as a determinant of behavior. Given this perspective on biological processes and development, new approaches to conceptualizing and conducting research on the biosocial aspects of aggression seem essential. The problem is to identify those behavioral experiences and contexts that eventuate in neuroendocrine changes that, in turn, may lead to increases or decreases in aggressive behavior. This chapter addresses the notion of reciprocal influences of hormones and behavior by first discussing mechanisms of hormone-behavior action. Findings from past research on hormones and aggression in adult males and adolescents are presented, followed by theory and findings on the role of experience on hormones with a specific focus on stress-related hormones. The chapter concludes with methodological considerations and prospects for future research.
