Biological Correlates of Criminal Behavior (From Facts, Frameworks, and Forecasts: Advances in Criminological Theory, V 3, P 1-21, 1992, Joan McCord, ed. -- See NCJ-136081)

• NCJ Number: 136082
• Author(s): G Knoblich; R King
• Date Published: 1992
• Length: 21 pages
• Sale Source: Transaction Publishers
• Publication Type: Research (Theoretical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This paper discusses arousal systems, the gonadal axis, and serotonergic functioning as biological factors in antisocial and criminal behaviors.

Abstract

Arousal levels -- as measured by peripheral autonomic activity, electroencephalographic patterns, plasma/urinary categholamine levels, and plasma/urinary cortisol levels -- have been shown in a number of studies to be related to behavior. Low arousal apparently correlates with impulsive actions that include sensation seeking, conduct disorder, and extraverted behavior. High prenatal and perinatal androgen levels have also been shown to correlate with later above-average aggressive behavior. Likewise, levels of testosterone in the adult apparently are associated with the propensity to become aggressive under slight provocation. Data also link low levels of serotonin activity to a variety of disinhibited behaviors. Most of the human studies of serotonin link it to impulsive, violent actions; however, the best model of reduced 5HT activity is behavioral disinhibition toward a variety of stimuli. So as to create a more global profile of the criminal and possible subtypes of criminal behavior, future research should focus on the simultaneous monitoring of neuroendocrine, psychophysiological, and neurochemical measures and should use emerging imaging techniques to localize these systems to specific functional neuroanatomic regions. 71 references