Aggression

Most psychologists define aggression as behavior with intent to harm or injure.

Maccoby & Jacklin “Fairly well-established

gender difference”

- For both physical and verbal aggressio

- Across cultures

- Appeared between 2 and 3 yrs old and continued through college

- After that little information available

Janet Hyde – 5% of differences can be attributed to gender

Age 6 – 7% of varianceCollege Age – 1% of variance

Sex Differences in US Crime Statistics

Aggression in Pre-School Children

Biological Explanations

• Testosterone levels

• Pre-natal hormones

• Serotonin

Mice data

More Rat data

Bird data

Human data – Correlation Studies

No Correlation – Some studies on men have shown this kind of

relationship

High Testosterone levels have been correlated with:- History of arrests 2 studies- History of violent crimes 1 study

- Less likely to marry, more todivorce, troubled relations 1 study

- Aggressive disposition 2 studies- variety of anti-social behavior

AWOL, alcohol & drug abuse 1 study

Correlation studies in Men

CAH Girls Activity Level

Serotonin Levels in Violent Suicides

Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor

Stereotypes

Play

Acceptable Male behavior

Big Boys Toys

Movies

Video Games

Sports Images

International Problem Solving