NCJ Number
132658
Date Published
Unknown
Length
22 pages
Annotation
Two studies of Danish birth cohorts examined the role of perinatal biology in the etiology of violent criminal behavior and Anti-Social Personality Disorder (ASP). The hypothesis of these studies was that violent behavior and ASP may result from different etiological factors.
Abstract
The results indicate that, while perinatal factors may influence the etiology of violent criminal behavior, they do not appear to be as important in the formation of ASP. Various studies have pointed to psychosocial variables such as lack of father contact and large number of siblings, in ASP but more recent research has minimized the significance of those findings. Other studies have implicated neuropsychological impairment in the development of ASP. This author seems to favor suggestions of adult neurological damage, caused by alcohol and drug abuse or head injury, as an etiological factor. This hypothesis tends to weaken the assumed relationship between ASP and criminally aggressive behavior and suggests the need for a reexamination of the purpose and utility of an ASP diagnosis. 34 references (Author abstract modified)