NCJ Number
246509
Journal
Criminology Volume: 52 Issue: 2 Dated: May 2014 Pages: 292-311
Date Published
May 2014
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This study examined the relationship between heart rate and antisocial behavior in a community sample of 335 adolescent boys, as well as any mediating role of impulsive sensation-seeking in this relationship.
Abstract
The study found that a low heart rate was associated with higher levels of reactive aggression, proactive aggression, violent delinquency, and nonviolent delinquency, although heart rate was not associated with psychopathy. Increased impulsive sensation-seeking was linked to higher levels of the antisocial behavioral measures. Contrary to expectations, high state fear was associated with increased reactive aggression and psychopathy scores. These findings indicate that children with low heart rates may require specialized interventions, such as participation in prosocial, stimulating behaviors that can partly fulfill their need for stimulating experiences. In the study sample of 335 adolescent boys, heart rate was measured during a series of cognitive, stress, and rest tasks. Participants completed self-report measures of state fear, impulsive sensation-seeking, and both aggressive and nonaggressive forms of antisocial behavior. 2 tables, 2 figures, and 72 references