Understanding Aggression: Insights from Psychology and Related Disciplines

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the topic of aggression from multiple perspectives, aiming for a deeper understanding of this complex issue. It begins with the philosophical and sociological foundations of aggression, tracing its roots from Ancient Greek ethics and exploring macro-structural and subcultural theories. It follows with the classical approaches to the psychology of aggression in order to set the stage for a multifaceted discussion on aggression. In the second part, the book delves into psychological perspectives, starting with the neurological basis of aggression. It examines the neural circuitry involving the amygdala, hypothalamus, cingulate cortex, PAG, and prefrontal cortical regions that contribute to different forms of aggressive behavior. The cognitive aspects of aggression are also covered, focusing on how memories of aggression differ among perpetrators, victims, and witnesses, particularly in encoding, storage, and recollection processes. The book then explores aggression in specific contexts, such as the traffic environment, highlighting aggressive driving behaviors and potential countermeasures. As well as a social psychological perspective, in particular pertaining to gender-based violence as a hate crime. The third and final part of the book shifts focus to the risk and protective factors associated with aggression. It begins with a forensic psychology lens, investigating the intergenerational transmission of aggression and the impact of childhood violence on later life. Clinical findings are discussed, particularly aggressive tendencies in anxiety and personality disorders. The role of mindfulness as a protective factor against aggression is explored, along with key factors responsible for the emergence and persistence of aggressive behaviors throughout the lifespan, including gene-environment interactions. The book aims to bring together cutting-edge research from diverse viewpoints, offering scholars and students a unique and comprehensive understanding of aggression.