NCJ Number
86157
Journal
Journal of Environmental Systems Volume: 11 Issue: 1 Dated: (1981-82) Pages: 81-87
Date Published
1981
Length
7 pages
Annotation
To determine the direct effects of environmental temperature on emotion, physiological arousal, and aggression, a series of studies was conducted.
Abstract
Subjects instigated to aggress against an insulting evaluator displayed an affective pattern of heightened aggression under conditions of uncomfortable heat, and an instrumental pattern under conditions of uncomfortable cold. These findings suggest intraindividual mechanisms and conditions that could account for the correlational findings mentioned: heightened temperature may lower an individual's threshold for aggression under conditions of interpersonal provocation. In addition, tympanic temperatures monitoring changes at the anterior hypothalamus may be a useful index of instigation to aggression. A total of 16 references are included. (Author abstract modified)