Looking for reward in all the wrong places: dopamine receptor gene polymorphisms indirectly affect aggression through sensation-seeking. (2nd September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chester, David S.; DeWall, C. Nathan; Derefinko, Karen J.; Estus, Steven; Lynam, Donald R.; Peters, Jessica R.; Jiang, Yang
• Is Part Of: Social neuroscience. Volume 11:Number 5(2016)
• Page Start: 487
• Page End: 494
• Publication Date: 2016-09-02
• Subjects: Dopamine -- aggression -- reward -- DRD2 -- sensation-seeking; Neurosciences -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Neuropsychology -- Periodicals; Social psychology -- Periodicals; Social interaction -- Periodicals; 612.8
• DOI: 10.1080/17470919.2015.1119191
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1747-0919

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Individuals with genotypes that code for reduced dopaminergic brain activity often exhibit a predisposition toward aggression. However, it remains largely unknown how dopaminergic genotypes may increase aggression. Lower-functioning dopamine systems motivate individuals to seek reward from external sources such as illicit drugs and other risky experiences. Based on emerging evidence that aggression is a rewarding experience, we predicted that the effect of lower-functioning dopaminergic functioning on aggression would be mediated by tendencies to seek the environment for rewards. Caucasian female and male undergraduates ( N = 277) were genotyped for five polymorphisms of the dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) gene; they reported their previous history of aggression and their dispositional reward-seeking. Lower-functioning DRD2 profiles were associated with greater sensation-seeking, which then predicted greater aggression. Our findings suggest that lower-functioning dopaminergic activity puts individuals at risk for violence because it motivates them to experience aggression's hedonically rewarding qualities.