Date of Award
Spring 5-2014
Degree Type
Masters Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Criminal Justice
School
Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, and Security
Committee Chair
Lisa Nored
Committee Chair Department
Criminal Justice
Committee Member 2
Thomas Panko
Committee Member 2 Department
Criminal Justice
Committee Member 3
Mary Evans
Committee Member 3 Department
Criminal Justice
Abstract
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.
Copyright
2014, Caroline Isabelle Jalain
Recommended Citation
Jalain, Caroline Isabelle, "The Impact of Serotonin and Dopamine on Human Aggression: A Systematic Review of the Literature" (2014). Master's Theses. 6.
https://aquila.usm.edu/masters_theses/6