Pat recently fell over and hit his head on a hard surface - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 9 - 2020 - Paper 2

To understand how brain injury can account for Pat's aggression, it's important to consider the role of the brain regions likely affected by his injury.

The frontal lobe, which may have been damaged in Pat's fall, is responsible for impulse control and decision-making. Damage to this area can result in a loss of control over aggressive impulses, potentially making Pat more aggressive when provoked. This could explain his involvement in fights and his inability to manage his temper.

Additionally, the amygdala plays a critical role in processing emotions and aggression. Damage to this area can hinder an individual’s ability to control aggressive impulses. Pat's aggressive behavior towards friends and family may stem from dysfunction in this region, leading to an increased likelihood of violent reactions.

Another aspect to consider is Pat's personality traits, which may exacerbate his aggression if they include high levels of neuroticism or low levels of agreeableness. These personality characteristics could make him more prone to aggressive responses following brain damage.

Moreover, if Pat scores high on traits like extraversion, his aggressive behavior might be more pronounced in social situations, leading to fights and outbursts. Brain injuries can also impact the Reticular Activating System (RAS), which regulates arousal and attention. If this system is underactive due to injury, Pat may seek stimulation in aggressive ways, further inflaming his altercations at home and with friends.

In conclusion, brain injury can significantly account for the aggression displayed by Pat through the impairment of both physiological and psychological mechanisms, and this understanding is crucial for addressing his behavior.