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Aggressor and victim - a neurobiological perspective - part 2

Author: Patrycja Piechaczek Source: Niehoff D. ,,Biology of Violence", published by Media Rodzina, Poznań 2001

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Aggressor and victim - a neurobiological perspective - part 2

Panthermedia

Domestic violence

In the previous part of this article, the issue of aggression and the aggressor was discussed. In this part, the victim will be presented from a biological perspective.

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The specific behaviour of victims of violence can be explained by the functioning of the limbic system, or more precisely by its element, the amygdala. This hypothesis was developed by Joseph Le Doux. According to him, the amygdala stores the memory of the emotions experienced, especially anxiety, and the situations in which they were experienced. The amygdala develops much earlier than other brain memory systems. As a result, we remember strong, often negative emotions, while on the other hand, we are not aware of the situation they are associated with.

In later life, the stimuli are compared emotionally with the memory trace created in the past, and an emotional response is later generated. This is why emotional reactions are so influenced by early traumatic experiences. This also has an impact on the emotional approach to reality.



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Victims of violence are more prone to anxiety reactions. Aggression has a biological basis: as a way of solving problems or causing pain. All studies to date have confirmed the significant influence of brain function on aggressive behaviour. It is speculated that in the future there will be medical measures to minimise the damage caused by aggression.