Understanding Aggression and Identity Threats

“Aggression increases when identity is threatened.” Aggression can take many forms such

as thoughts, anger, verbal aggressiveness, competition, dominance behavior,

and physical violence. Testosterone is mistakenly linked to higher levels of aggression.

That’s why men are viewed to be more aggressive. Testosterone can work to inhibit

the neural pathways that would usually suppress aggression. Aggression is ACTUALLY facilitated by the

amygdala and hypothalamus. The Amygdala is responsible for social interaction, emotional processing,

and memory. The Hypothalamus is responsible for hormonal regulation, regulating the body,

and handling stress