Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/88145
Title: Stimulation of the prefrontal cortex reduces intentions to commit aggression : a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, stratified, parallel-group trial
Authors: Choy, Olivia
Raine, Adrian
Hamilton, Roy H.
Keywords: Aggression
Moral Judgment
DRNTU::Social sciences::Psychology
Issue Date: 2018
Source: Choy, O., Raine, A., & Hamilton, R. H. (2018). Stimulation of the Prefrontal Cortex Reduces Intentions to Commit Aggression: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Stratified, Parallel-Group Trial. Journal of Neuroscience, 38(29), 6505-6512. doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.3317-17.2018
Series/Report no.: Journal of Neuroscience
Abstract: Although prefrontal brain impairments are one of the best-replicated brain imaging findings in relation to aggression, little is known about the causal role of this brain region. This study tests whether stimulating the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) reduces the likelihood of engaging in aggressive acts, and the mechanism underlying this relationship. In a double-blind, stratified, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, randomized trial, 81 human adults (36 males, 45 females) were randomly assigned to an active (N = 39) or placebo (N = 42) condition, and then followed up 1 d after the experiment session. Intentions to commit aggressive acts and behavioral aggression were assessed using hypothetical vignettes and a behavioral task, respectively. The secondary outcome was the perception of the moral wrongfulness of the aggressive acts. Compared with the sham controls, participants who received anodal stimulation reported being less likely to commit physical and sexual assault (p < 0.01). They also judged aggressive acts as more morally wrong (p < 0.05). Perceptions of greater moral wrongfulness regarding the aggressive acts accounted for 31% of the total effect of tDCS on intentions to commit aggression. Results provide experimental evidence that increasing activity in the prefrontal cortex can reduce intentions to commit aggression and enhance perceptions of the moral wrongfulness of the aggressive acts. Findings shed light on the biological underpinnings of aggression and theoretically have the potential to inform future interventions for aggression and violence.
URI: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/88145
http://hdl.handle.net/10220/45651
ISSN: 0270-6474
DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.3317-17.2018
Schools: School of Humanities and Social Sciences 
Rights: © 2018 The Authors (Published by Society for Neuroscience). This paper was published in Journal of Neuroscience and is made available as an electronic reprint (preprint) with permission of The Authors (Published by Society for Neuroscience). The published version is available at: [http://dx.doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.3317-17.2018]. One print or electronic copy may be made for personal use only. Systematic or multiple reproduction, distribution to multiple locations via electronic or other means, duplication of any material in this paper for a fee or for commercial purposes, or modification of the content of the paper is prohibited and is subject to penalties under law.
Fulltext Permission: open
Fulltext Availability: With Fulltext
Appears in Collections:HSS Journal Articles

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