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Citation |
Chester DS, Nathan DeWall C, Derefinko KJ, Estus S, Lynam DR, Peters JR, Jiang Y. Soc. Neurosci. 2015; 11(5): 487-494. |
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Affiliation |
Department of Behavioral Science , University of Kentucky. |
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Copyright |
(Copyright © 2015, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group) |
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DOI |
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PMID |
26592425 |
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Abstract |
Individuals with genotypes that code for reduced dopaminergic brain activity often exhibit a predisposition towards aggression. However, it remains largely unknown how dopaminergic genotypes may increase aggression. Lower-functioning dopamine systems motivate individuals to seek reward from external sources such as illicit drugs and other risky experiences. Based on emerging evidence that aggression is a rewarding experience, we predicted that the effect of lower-functioning dopaminergic functioning on aggression would be mediated by tendencies to seek the environment for rewards. Caucasian female and male undergraduates (N = 277) were genotyped for five polymorphisms of the Dopamine D2 Receptor (DRD2) gene, reported their previous history of aggression, and their dispositional reward-seeking. Lower-functioning DRD2 profiles were associated with greater sensation-seeking, which then predicted greater aggression. Our findings suggest that lower-functioning dopaminergic activity puts individuals at risk for violence because it motivates them to experience aggression's hedonically rewarding qualities. Language: en |