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Study shows mean screens prime the brain for aggression

A new study by Iowa State University researchers found that watching mean screens can activate aggressive scripts in the brain, leading to increased aggression. The study showed that both physical and relational aggression on screen can prime the brain for aggressive behavior, which has significant implications for today's societal norms.

SourceIowa State University·JournalAggressive Behavior·DateMar 7, 2012

Bonobos' unusual success story

Researchers at Max Planck Institute found that high-ranking male bonobos were more aggressive and had higher mating success, but also invested in friendly relationships with females. These relationships correlated with lower male testosterone levels, challenging the common notion of masculine behavior.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateJan 23, 2012

Bird song-sharing like verbal sparring

Research at Queen's University Biological Station reveals that singing shared songs is an attention-seeking behavior often displayed by older males. Song sharing is linked to individual differences like age and neighborhood characteristics.

SourceQueen's University·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateAug 10, 2011

New ground broken on aggression research

A study by U of A Psychology researcher Peter Hurd found that less sensitive genes were associated with more aggressive behaviour, suggesting a possible link between fetal testosterone exposure and adult social behavior. The researchers also discovered subtle forms of aggression, such as indirect aggression through gossip-like behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalBehavior Genetics·DateDec 7, 2010

What makes flies attack?

New research reveals that pheromonal cues alone can label another fly as a competitor, leading to male aggression. Behavioral cues also play a crucial role, with males attacking both male- and female-like flies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 23, 2010

Battle of the sexes, fruit-fly style

Researchers found that fruit flies will attack females who smell and taste like males, and will court males with female-like patterns of behavior. By manipulating a gene that governs pheromonal profiles and behavioral cues, the study reveals the importance of behavioral feedback in aggression.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 23, 2010

Watching violent TV or video games desensitizes teenagers and may promote more aggressive behavior

Research published in the Oxford Journal Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience found that exposure to violent media can lead to decreased brain activation in regions involved in emotions and emotional responses. This desensitization can result in increased acceptance of violence and a reduced likelihood of forming consequences wi...

SourceOxford University Press UK·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateOct 18, 2010

Behavior problems in school linked to 2 types of families

A new study confirms that unhappy families have specific difficulties for children during early school years. Disengaged families exhibit cold, controlling relationships leading to aggressive behavior and depression, while enmeshed families display high levels of conflict, anxiety, and social withdrawal as their child navigates school.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalChild Development·DateJul 15, 2010

'Peter Pan' apes never seem to learn selfishness

Researchers found bonobos never seem to learn how not to share, whereas chimps do as youngsters but grow out of it. Bonobos' behavior is shaped by their environment's abundance, leading to a 'Peter Pan world'. They shared like juveniles even after reaching adulthood, unlike chimps.

SourceDuke University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 1, 2010

Testosterone does not induce aggression

A study published in Nature found that testosterone actually encourages fair behaviors if it serves to ensure one's own status. The hormone increases sensitivity for status, leading to pro-social behavior in humans, rather than aggression. This challenges the long-held assumption that testosterone causes aggressive behavior.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature·DateDec 8, 2009

Being a standout has its benefits, study shows

Researchers found that individual wasps benefit from being recognizable, as they are less likely to be targeted in aggressive encounters. This finding suggests that diversity may promote group stability, extending beyond wasp societies to potentially influence human facial variation and social interactions.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalEvolution·DateOct 15, 2009

The making of the male brain (estrogen required)

A new study in mice reveals that early estrogen exposure 'masculinizes' the brain circuitry, leading to aggressive and territorial behaviors typically observed in males. The researchers found that female mice exposed to estrogen as pups exhibit similar behaviors, suggesting a critical role for estrogen in shaping masculine behavior.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateOct 1, 2009

Psychologists' study finds TV ratings for kids' shows don't reflect aggressive content

A new study by psychologists found that TV ratings for kids' shows don't reflect the aggressive content, with cartoons containing higher levels of physical violence than general audiences. The researchers argue that ratings should be improved to address indirect aggression, a type of harm that is non-physical and often overlooked.

SourceIowa State University·JournalJournal of Applied Developmental Psychology·DateMar 3, 2009

If you're aggressive, your dog will be too, says veterinary study at University of Pennsylvania

A new University of Pennsylvania survey found that most dogs will continue to be aggressive unless training techniques are modified. Non-aversive training methods, such as exercise and rewards, elicited few aggressive responses. The study highlights the risk of dominance-based training, which can lead to owner-directed aggression.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalApplied Animal Behaviour Science·DateFeb 17, 2009

'Warrior gene' predicts aggressive behavior after provocation

Researchers discover that individuals with low-activity MAOA gene display higher levels of aggression in response to provocation, particularly when faced with significant financial loss. The study suggests genetic influences on aggression and punishment behavior, questioning the altruistic punisher theory.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 19, 2009

Women prefer prestige over dominance in mates

A study published in Personal Relationships reveals that women prioritize men who are recognized by peers for their skills and achievements, rather than those who use coercive tactics to subordinate rivals. In long-term relationships, women's preferences for prestige increase, contradicting common dating advice.

SourceWiley·JournalPersonal Relationships·DateDec 17, 2008

Antisocial conduct and decision making about aggressive behavior influence each other in teens

A new study challenges the idea that antisocial behavior is relatively unchangeable during the teenage years. The study found that decision making and behavior among adolescents are related across time, with efforts to help being more effective if they address how adolescents make decisions about acting aggressively.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateMar 25, 2008

Status of adolescent peer groups plays role in understanding groups influence on early teen behavior

A new study found that popular peer groups have a profound influence on early teen behavior, causing children to become more similar in behavior to their group members. Conversely, well-liked groups have little impact, except for adolescents who are part of disliked groups, which can lead to increased deviant behavior.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateJul 20, 2007