Neural correlates of aggression outcome expectation and their association with aggression: A surface-based...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Psychology
• Forensic Psychology

Background:

• Aggression outcome expectation is a known cognitive factor in aggression.
• Neural underpinnings of aggression outcome expectation are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate the neural basis of aggression outcome expectation.
• Examine the link between aggression outcome expectation and aggressive tendencies.

Main Methods:

• Surface-based morphometry used to analyze neural structure.
• Assessed aggression outcome expectation with the Social Emotional Information Processing Assessment for Adults.
• Measured aggression using the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire in 185 university students.

Main Results:

• Positive correlation found between aggression outcome expectation and cortical thickness in the left inferior temporal gyrus.
• Aggression outcome expectation mediated the relationship between left inferior temporal gyrus thickness and aggression.

Conclusions:

• Cortical thickness in temporal lobes, particularly the left inferior temporal gyrus, is crucial for aggression outcome expectation.
• Findings advance understanding of the neural basis of aggression.