Elena, a previously mild-mannered librarian, survived a ruptured cerebral aneurysm that resulted in localized lesioning of her amygdala. Since her neurosurgery and recovery, her personality has shifted drastically. She has become exceptionally hostile and hyper-reactive, frequently screaming at library patrons over minor infractions.
Her husband of ten years has moved out due to her unpredictable and explosive outbursts of anger. Recently, Elena has joined an extremist activist group known for confrontational, direct-action protests. Last night, she was arrested for grievous bodily harm after assaulting a counter-protester during a rally. Elena insists that her aggressive acts are purely a mechanical consequence of her brain damage.
Discuss how amygdala dysfunction can explain Elena's aggressive behavior. Refer to the details of Elena's case in your response.
88 exam-style questions on Edexcel A Level Psychology Content, covering Central nervous system and neurotransmitters, Effect of recreational drugs on transmission, Brain structure and aggression, Evolution and natural selection, Freud's psychodynamic explanation of aggression, Role of hormones in aggression, Individual differences, and Developmental psychology. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.