Neuropsychology of Juvenile Delinquency: A Critical Review (From Crime and Justice: A Review of Research, Volume 12, P 99-169, 1990, Michael Tonry and Norval Morris, eds. -- See NCJ-125003)

• NCJ Number: 125006
• Author(s): T E Moffit
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 71 pages
• Grant Number(s): 1 R23 MH-12723-01
• Sponsoring Agency: University of Wisconsin; National Institute of Mental Health
• Sale Source: University of Chicago Press
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Research on the performance of delinquent juveniles on neuropsychological tests suggests that brain dysfunction is a factor in antisocial behavior.

Abstract

Neuropsychological tests measure constructs representative of the various mental functions of the human brain, such as language, memory, or social judgment. Poor test scores suggest brain dysfunction. Because the brain is the organ used to perceive and respond to a person's environment, the relations of neuropsychological factors to delinquent behavior are expressed as interactions with social and environmental influences. Although most studies of the neuropsychological status of delinquents suffer from notable methodological problems, consistent findings of delinquency-related deficits, particularly in verbal and self-control functions, have been reported by many studies, including those with the strongest designs. Neuropsychological variables predict variance in delinquent behavior independent of appropriate control variables. This essay offers suggestions for factors to be considered and the next steps to take in research on the neuropsychology of antisocial behavior. 1 table, 224 references. (Author abstract modified)