Recording-2025-01-27T16:31:39.451Z

Introduction to Criminal Behavior

• Understanding the biological factors influencing criminal behavior.

• Focus on genetics and its role in delinquency and criminality.

Role of Genetics in Behavior

• Genetics plays a significant role in influencing behavior.

• Researchers study the impact of genetics and environment on criminal behavior.

Twin Studies

• Twin studies are used to explore genetic influence on behavior.

• Concordance: Percentage at which behaviors between twins are similar.

  • Identical twins show higher concordance for criminal behavior.

• Example: King's College London studied 13,000 pairs of twins, linking genetics to antisocial behavior.

• Aging reduces familial influence while genetic factors stabilize.

Adoption Studies

• Adoption studies indicate a significant relationship between adoptee's behaviors and biological parents' conviction history.

• Consistent findings suggest a genetic link to antisocial behaviors in adoptees.

Genetic Factors in Criminality

• Presence of specific genes associated with criminal behavior.

  • The warrior gene: found in about 1/3 of the Western population, linked to aggression triggered by adverse environments.

  • Dr. Adrianne Rain's research identifies 7 genes associated with antisocial behavior.

Temperament

• Temperament: Interaction style with the environment and emotional regulation.

• Three categories of temperament:

  • Easy child: Positive, adaptable, establishing routine.

  • Difficult child: Negative, resistant to routine and change.

  • Slow to warm child: Negative but better adaptation than difficult child.

• Temperament features:

  • Constitutional with a biological basis.

  • Present from infancy and lasting throughout life.

  • Influenced by environment.

Environmental Risk Factors

• Key in development of criminal behavior:

  • In utero exposure: Substance exposure leading to complications.

    • Nicotine: Higher delinquency risk in boys; causes brain defects.

    • Alcohol: Linked to fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

    • Drugs: Impacts on healthy baby development.

• Neurological dysfunctions lead to impulsive violent behavior (e.g., frontal lobe damage).

  • Case study: Phineas Gage, who became aggressive after an accident.

Quality of Prenatal Environment

• Importance of a healthy prenatal environment.

• Enhances brain development and function.

Brain Function and Criminality

• Limbic system and amygdala: Influences behavior and responses.

• Brain plasticity: Ability of the brain to adapt and grow based on experiences.

• Importance of nurturing for healthy brain development.

• Hormones and neurotransmitters:

  • Varying serotonin levels linked to aggression.

  • Excess testosterone can lead to aggressive behaviors.

Neuropsychological Factors

• Executive function: Responsibilities include reasoning, self-control, and problem-solving skills.

  • Deficits lead to higher risk-taking behaviors, especially in adolescents.

• Dual systems model: Balance between socioemotional systems and cognitive control.

  • Healthy functioning leads to appropriate risk-taking; deficits increase risky behaviors.

Developmental Risk Factors

• Criminal behavior pathways vary:

  • No offending, minor offending, serious delinquency.

• Risk factors increase likelihood of persistent criminal behavior:

  • Social, parental/family, and psychological risk factors.

• Cumulative risk model: Accumulation of risk factors correlates with negative outcomes.

  • Protective factors mitigate adverse influences, aiding healthy development.