William Atkins
Sunday, 09 November 2008 19:52
Science -
Biology
Page 3 of 4
In other words, the researchers found that the brains of both groups showed activity in the regions that dealt with pain.
However, the aggressive CD males showed increased activity in the pleasure regions of the brain, while the normal males did not show such activity.
This difference implies that the aggressive CD adolescents were experiencing enjoyment when they saw a person inflicting pain on others.
The reserachers did not expect to see such differences. Dr. Lahey stated,
“It just dumbfounded us." [ABC News: “
Pain May Be Pleasurable for Some Bullies”]
The researchers found that in normal people the amygdale (the part of the brain responsible for emotional reactions) activated along with the prefrontal cortex (the part responsible for controlling emotions).
Thus, when children view violence, they react with negative feelings (disgust, anger, etc.)
However, in people with CD, the link between the amygdale and the prefrontal cortex is not connected. Instead, activity increases in the amygdale and the ventral striatum (the area of the brain regulating pleasure and reward).
Consequently, when they view violence they did not have control of their emotions (with the prefrontal cortex) and reacted with positive emotions associated with pleasure and rewards.
In other words, they were excited about seeing someone getting hurt or having pain inflicted upon them.
Lahey states,
"They're not only indifferent to the pain, they love it – maybe. They're responding to others being hurt, but in a way that's self-reinforcing." [ABC News]
Comments from the researchers as to their conclusions follow on page four.
