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Antisocial Behavior: Roles of Self-Serving Cognitive Distortions and Ventromedial Prefrontal Function
- Publication Year :
- 2012
-
Abstract
- Current research has made significant strides on two levels of analysis pertaining to cognitive and neurobiological processes associated with antisocial behavior. At the cognitive level, pervasive use of Self-Serving Cognitive Distortions (SSCDs) has been emphasized in the facilitation/perpetuation of antisocial behavior. At the neurobiological level, the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) has been identified as the core of a neural network associated with behavioral decision-making. While studies have linked these processes individually to antisocial behavior, researchers have yet to examine their relative contributions and relationships to one another. The present study addresses this shortcoming with exploratory research of the roles of SSCDs and vmPFC function in accounting for antisocial behavior. Participants (N = 116) completed self-report measures of SSCDs, antisocial behavior, internalizing behavior, aggression, and empathy. Additionally, participants completed two neurological proxy tasks pertaining to vmPFC and dorsolateral prefrontal function. SSCDs correlated with antisocial behavior, even when controlled for internalizing behavior; both correlated inversely with empathy. VmPFC function did not correlate with antisocial behavior or with SSCDs. The results of the study do not suggest that the vmPFC serves as a neural correlate of SSCDs. Additional research is needed to establish the specific role of vmPFC function in antisocial behavior.
Details
- Language :
- English
- Database :
- OpenDissertations
- Publication Type :
- Dissertation/ Thesis
- Accession number :
- ddu.oai.etd.ohiolink.edu.osu1342472637