Neurological Abnormalities

Biological Theories of Crime: Neurological Abnormalities

Introduction to Neurological Abnormalities

The second major type of biological theory of criminality emphasizes the role of neurological factors. Studies in this area focus on abnormalities in brain functioning that reduce inhibitions toward aggression.

Abnormalities affecting aggression may occur in the structure of the brain. Researchers have discovered a positive relationship between aggressive behavior-including violent crime-and an impairment of the frontal lobe of the brain’s cerebrum. This means that when researchers look for one factor, either abnormality or aggression, they often find the other factor as well.

Another type of dysfunction that may be related to aggression is chemical imbalances in the brain. Human thoughts, behavior, and emotions depend upon the transmission of electrical impulses within the central nervous system. The gaps between cells in the nervous system are called synapses and the chemicals that enable the flow of electrical impulses across the synapses are called neurotransmitters. Scientists believe that abnormally low levels of neurotransmitters interrupt the flow of electronic impulses, thereby short-circuiting emotions such as sympathy or empathy that can inhibit aggressive behavior. Researchers have found a relationship between levels of specific neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, and certain antisocial behaviors, including violence.

The evidence concerning the relationship between neurological functioning and criminal behavior is mixed. For example, although there is some indication of a link between low serotonin levels and aggressive behavior, it is largely restricted to specific populations, such as alcoholics. Frontal-lobe disorders may be the cause of aggressive behavior or, conversely, they may result from injuries incurred as a result of aggressive behavior. Moreover, the most common measures of brain dysfunction are indirect measures, such as neuropsychological tests. These tests rely on the subject’s responses rather than biological tests of the brain’s structure or level of chemicals. Such tests may not indicate an existing abnormality, and they are unable to attribute any abnormality that is discovered to a particular location within the brain. Improved technologies such as brain imaging may be much more effective in identifying and locating impairments.” (1)

Resources

Notes and References

• Information about Neurological Abnormalities in the Encarta Online Encyclopedia

Guide to Neurological Abnormalities

In this Section

Criminology, Criminology Development (including Classical Criminology, Modern Criminology, Criminology Italian School and Independent Criminology), Criminology Goals, Biological Theories of Crime (including Crime Genetic Factors and Neurological Abnormalities), Psychological Theories of Crime (including Moral Development Theories, Social Learning Theories and Personality Theories), Environmental and Social Theories of Crime (including Social Causes, Social-Structural Theories, Subcultural Theories and Economic Causes of Crime) and

Criminal Opportunity.