Stimulation of the Prefrontal Cortex Reduces Intentions to Commit Aggression: A Randomized, Double-Blind,...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Prefrontal cortex impairments are linked to aggression.
• The causal role of the prefrontal cortex in aggression is not well understood.
• Existing research primarily relies on correlational findings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the causal role of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in aggression.
• To determine if transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the prefrontal cortex reduces aggressive intentions.
• To explore the mediating role of moral judgment in this relationship.

Main Methods:

• A double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group randomized trial.
• 81 adult participants received either active or sham transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS).
• Aggression intentions were assessed via vignettes and behavioral tasks; moral wrongfulness was also measured.

Main Results:

• Anodal stimulation of the prefrontal cortex significantly reduced intentions for physical and sexual assault.
• Participants receiving tDCS judged aggressive acts as more morally wrong.
• Increased moral wrongfulness accounted for 31% of the effect of tDCS on aggression intentions.

Conclusions:

• Upregulating prefrontal cortex activity causally reduces aggression intentions.
• Moral judgment may mediate the link between prefrontal function and aggression.
• Findings support the potential of tDCS as an intervention for aggression and violence.