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

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: = 19.94 ± 1.62 years; age range = 17-32 years). RESULTS: < .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) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).