Environmental Influences

What is an environmental influence in biosocial criminology?

Anything not caused by genes, like toxins, stress, or malnutrition

Why are prenatal environments important?

Fetal development follows a strict timeline, and early exposures can permanently change brain and body development

What does the SRY gene do?

Triggers testes development and testosterone production in males

What is Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)?

A condition causing overproduction of testosterone in females, leading to more male-typical traits and behaviors

What is Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS)?

When an XY fetus can't respond to testosterone, developing female-like external features

What does a lower 2D:4D ratio indicate?

Greater prenatal testosterone exposure

What are effects of high prenatal testosterone in females?

Higher activity, aggression, sensation seeking, and better spatial ability

What is a teratogen?

A substance that crosses the placenta and causes birth defects

How does smoking during pregnancy affect the fetus?

Alters brain structures like the PFC and hippocampus and is linked to ADHD and conduct issues

What are the effects of alcohol during pregnancy?

Causes Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, cognitive impairment, ADHD, aggression, and learning difficulties

How do industrial chemicals affect prenatal development?

Over 200 neurotoxins (like lead or chlorpyrifos) can harm the central nervous system and executive functions

What does prenatal malnutrition affect?

The hippocampus and cerebellum structures, leading to poor brain development

How does maternal stress affect the fetus?

Chronic cortisol exposure changes limbic and PFC structures, leading to impulsivity and emotional issues

What is anoxia?

Oxygen deprivation at birth that can cause PFC damage and executive function problems

What defines low birth weight?

Less than 5.5 pounds at birth; linked to underdeveloped brain structures and prematurity

What are the effects of lead exposure in children?

Reduced IQ, increased aggression, and higher violent crime rates later in life

How does malnutrition affect children's behavior?

Leads to aggression, conduct disorders, and cognitive impairments

How does chronic abuse or neglect affect the brain?

Shrinks hippocampus and amygdala, disrupts the corpus callosum, and raises stress hormone levels

What did studies of Romanian orphans show?

Neglect changed brain function in the PFC, amygdala, and hippocampus

What is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?

Brain injury from external force causing cognitive, emotional, and behavioral problems

What is Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)?

A brain condition caused by repeated head trauma, linked to impulsivity and aggression