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Charles is 14 years old and has been displaying aggressive behaviour - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 6 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 6
Charles is 14 years old and has been displaying aggressive behaviour. Recently he has shouted insults at other students and broken classroom equipment in his scienc... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Charles is 14 years old and has been displaying aggressive behaviour - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 6 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe how hormones could account for Charles’s behaviour.
Answer
Hormones play a significant role in influencing behaviour, particularly during adolescence.
Firstly, Charles may have an imbalance of hormones such as testosterone and cortisol. An increased level of testosterone is often linked to aggression. This hormone can enhance competitive traits and may explain why Charles resorted to shouting insults and aggressive actions towards his peers.
Additionally, during puberty, individuals experience a surge of testosterone, which can lead to heightened emotional responses, such as anger or frustration. This might account for his behaviour in the classroom and on the football field.
Furthermore, stress levels can affect hormonal balance. If Charles felt pressured or stressed during the game, his cortisol levels might have risen. Elevated cortisol can interfere with mood regulation, potentially leading him to lash out in frustration, such as in the fight with the football captain.
In summary, the influence of testosterone during puberty, alongside fluctuations in cortisol due to stress, could explain Charles’s aggressive behavior.