Violence, a dark facet of humanity, has been the subject of study and debate in different areas of knowledge. From the perspective of neuroscience, human aggression is not simply a matter of nature or nurture, but rather a complex tangle of biological, psychological and social factors.
Neuroscientific studies have shown that the amygdala, a brain structure responsible for processing emotions, plays a crucial role in regulating aggression. In threatening situations, the amygdala triggers a cascade of physiological reactions, including the release of hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, preparing the individual for fight or flight (Gopal, 2013).
However, the amygdala does not act alone. The prefrontal cortex, responsible for executive control and decision making, is also involved in modulating aggressive behavior. The interaction between these two brain structures, along with other factors such as genetics, life experiences, and social environment, shapes the individual response to aggression (Boes et al., 2008).
In addition to biological aspects, culture and education also play a significant role in the expression of aggression. Exposure to violence in childhood, for example, can lead to changes in brain structure and function, increasing the predisposition to aggressive behavior in adulthood (Pardini, 2014).
Therefore, violence cannot be attributed to a single factor, but rather to a complex interaction between biology, psychology and the social environment. Understanding this complexity is essential for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies, aiming to build a more peaceful and harmonious society.
Reference :
BOES, AD et al. Right anterior cingulate: A neuroanatomical correlate of aggression and defiance in boys. Behavioral neuroscience, 2008.
GOPAL, A. et al. Dorsal/ventral parcellation of the amygdala: Relevance to impulsivity and aggression. Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging, 2013.
PARDINI, DA et al. Lower amygdala volume in men is associated with childhood aggression, early psychopathic traits, and future violence. Biological psychiatry, 2014.
