Neural correlates of aggression outcome expectation and their association with aggression: A surface-based morphometry study.

Abstract

Objective: Aggression outcome expectation is widely recognized as a cognitive factor influencing aggression. However, the neural factors responsible for aggression outcome expectation and its detrimental impact remain poorly understood. The present study investigates the neural basis of aggression outcome expectation and the relationship between aggression outcome expectation and aggressive tendencies, which is essential for advancing research in aggression.

Method: We employed surface-based morphometry to elucidate the neural structure associated with aggression outcome expectation as assessed by the Social Emotional Information Processing Assessment for Adults. We also examined its correlation with aggression, assessed using the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire, in a sample comprising 185 university students (114 females; M_age = 19.94 ± 1.62 years; age range = 17-32 years).

Results: Multiple regression analysis using bilateral temporal lobes as a region of interest showed a significantly positive correlation between aggression outcome expectation and the cortical thickness in the left inferior temporal gyrus (x = -46, y = -52, z = 13; t = 3.14; cluster sizes = 113, p < .05, small volume corrected). Moreover, aggression outcome expectation acted as a mediator underlying the association between the left inferior temporal gyrus thickness and aggression.

Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the cortical thickness in the temporal lobes, especially the left inferior temporal gyrus, plays a vital role in aggression outcome expectation and aggression. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).