The Interaction Effect of Physiological and Brain Factors of Aggression

• In Event: The Interplay of Biological, Physiological, and Developmental Factors in Understanding Psychopathy and Antisocial Behavior

Abstract

Aggressive behavior is a complex phenomenon influenced by various physiological and neural factors. This interaction can be examined through the lens of biopsychosocial models, which integrate biological and psychological factors. This study examined the interaction effect of resting heart rate and structural neural correlates on aggression in Hong Kong youth and young adults. One hundred- sixty participants (130 healthy participants and 30 schizophrenia patients) were recruited and assessed at the baseline and 135 of them participated in the one-year follow-up. Their mean age was 24 years old and 34% of them were male. All participants underwent brain scans using structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI). Their resting heart rate and aggression (by Reactive-Proactive Aggression Questionnaire) were also measured. The preliminary results showed that the resting heart rate, structural brain correlates (e.g., frontal areas) and the interaction effect at the baseline predicted aggressive behaviors at the 1-year follow-up. These findings have both theoretical and clinical implications. Understanding how these elements interact can provide insights into preventive measures and interventions for aggressive behavior. This interdisciplinary approach emphasizes the need for comprehensive strategies that address both biological and physiological underpinnings to effectively mitigate antisocial tendencies.

Authors

• Bess Yin-Hung Lam, Hong Kong Shue Yan University

• Xixian Wu, Hong Kong Shue Yan University

• Simon Sai-Yu Lui, University of Hong Kong

• Paulina Pui- Yan Wong, Lingnan University

• Adrian Raine, University of Pennsylvania