Date of Defense

4-16-2014

Date of Graduation

4-2014

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Lester Wright

Second Advisor

Timothy Ready

Keywords

aggression, psychopaths, biological, psychological, sociological, perspectives

Abstract

Psychopathy is a well known yet often-misunderstood diagnosis in individuals who meet a list of certain criteria, to an identifiable extent. Psychopathic individuals are often known for their antisocial behaviors and unique personality consisting of a lack of remorse and guilt. Though aggression is not explicitly listed in the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised, it is an implicit characteristic of many psychopaths who display antisocial behaviors. The aggression in such individuals can be viewed from a biological, psychological, and sociological standpoint. Without the consideration of each of these fields, it is impossible to fully comprehend how aggression in psychopaths differs from that of typically developing individuals whom we deem normal within society. The aggressive nature of psychopathic individuals can be understood through observation of genetics, brain structure/neuroimaging, neurotransmitters and hormones, behavioral contingencies, and societal factors. Understanding plausible causes of aggression through each of these topics provides scientists of various fields a deeper understanding of other psychopathic traits.

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Restricted

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