Cavum Aggression

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NEOROSCIENCE Name of Candidate: Number: ABSTRACT Some areas in psychology have been subjects of postulations and hypothesis without sufficient evidence to back them up. One of such areas include the neurodevelopmental marker for limbic maldevelopment in antisocial personality disorder and psychopathy, and also the association of violent video games and aggressive behaviors. It was found out in a study that the presence of a cavum septum pellucidum is strongly associated with antisocial personality disorders and psychopathy. The study proves to give sufficient reason to believe this which opens up the need for the early prevention of this maldevelopment. Another area is to test the hypothesis that violent video games predisposes to…show more content…
Septal stimulation in a wide range of animals (rats, hamsters, mice, cats and monkeys) inhibits predatory aggression, whereas lesions to the septum result in increased aggression and disinhibited behavior( Clemete & Chase, 1973). Similarly, the lateral septal nuclei (an important oxytocin receptor-binding site) has been implicated in social attachment and bonding behaviours in animals (Insel & Young, 2001). A study was carried out to test the hypothesis that individuals with cavum septum pellucidum (CSP), a marker of limbic neural maldevelopment, will show levels of psychopathy and antisocial personality (Raine, Lee, Yang & Colleti, 2010). CSP was assessed using anatomical magnetic resonance imaging in a community sample (Raine et al, 2010). At the end of the study, it was seen that individuals with a CSP had significantly higher levels of antisocial personality, psychopathy, criminal charges and convictions compared with those lacking a CSP (Raine et al, 2010). The association between cavum septum pellucidum and the spectrum of antisocial behaviors supports a neurodevelopmental hypothesis of antisocial personality disorder and psychopathy (Raine et al, 2010). Although further studies will be needed to delve into other areas to further strengthen the basis for this research, there seems to be sufficient reasons to believe that individuals with CSP are potentially at risk of developing antisocial personality…show more content…
Though the validity of this study cannot be refuted, it still possesses some limitations. A major limitation of the first study was that it was based on a survey done using questionnaires and does not assess in real time, the degree of violence exhibited. It would have also been better if the study was by direct observation or by confirmation of the violent tendencies through more objective means which would have further consolidated the
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