NCJ Number
137514
Journal
Criminal Justice and Behavior Volume: 19 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1992) Pages: 99- 126
Date Published
1992
Length
28 pages
Annotation
This review of studies of the causes of female aggression concludes that prenatal or postnatal biological experiences, coupled with a socially disadvantageous environment, predispose certain women to antisocial behavior.
Abstract
Previous studies on the biology of human aggression have focused largely on the contribution of sex hormones to male aggression. The few studies of female aggression typically extrapolate from studies of male aggression and neglect the dynamic interaction between biology and the social and physical environment. However, behavioral responses are influenced by the gestational biological environment and by the biochemical fluctuations that occur later. Differences in brain function between males and females result, in part, from these biochemical influences and may contribute to differences in aggression. Further comprehensive studies are needed of female offenders to determine the extent to which biological conditions contribute to aggressive behavior. Once the relative contributions of biological and environmental factors are determined, strategies for prevention, early detection, and treatment may more specifically target an appropriate female subgroup. Notes and 181 references (Author abstract modified)