Executive Cognitive Functions as Mediators of Alcohol-Related Aggression

A large body of literature has documented a relation between executive cognitive functioning (ECF) and aggression. ECF encompasses 'higher-order' mental abilities such as attention, planning, organization, abstract reasoning, and self-monitoring. ECF has been defined as the ability to utilize these functions to self-regulate goal-directed behaviour. The prefrontal cortex represents the primary neurological substrate that subserves ECF. Acute alcohol consumption has been shown to disrupt ECF/prefrontal cortical functioning. Literature is reviewed linking ECF/prefrontal cortical functioning, alcohol consumption, and aggressive behaviour. A hypothetical model, based on empirical data, is presented, suggesting that ECF/prefrontal cortical functioning is an underlying aetiological mechanism for the relation between acute alcohol consumption and aggressive behaviour.