Men's impulsivity underpins gender differences in aggressive behaviour.

ABSTRACT: The relationship between gender and aggression is multi-faceted, with survey research showing that the aggression varies with the gender of both aggressor and target. Here, using a lab-based paradigm that controls the capacity to cause harm and the risk of retaliation, we reveal pronounced gender-specific differences in aggression.Reactive aggression was assessed using a competitive reaction-time task that allowed dyadic pairs to interact face-to-face during conflict. Across two studies (n = 162/trials = 5099) same- and mixed-gender familiar pairs blasted each other repeatedly with noxious sounds, producing an oscillatory pattern of escalating and de-escalating aggression. Analysis revealed lower aggression in dyads made up of two women than mixed dyads or those made up of two men. Crucial

SUBMITTER: McCurry AG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12511576 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature