Early Offenders Antisocial Behaviour example essay topic

Biological Factors in Criminal Behaviour Role of Biological Factors in Behaviour Human behaviour is caused by both biological and non-biological factors. People act based on interaction with individuals and their environment, giving them a unique perception and reaction to the world. 3 Major Obstacles that Affect Biological Factors of Determining a Criminal Mind 1. There is no testing that can be done to prove criminality.

2. Not all illegal behaviour is equally prosecuted. 3. It is unreasonable to assume that there is a SINGLE cause of crime Generalizing Results The amount and type of crime greatly changes throughout one society to another. Biological factors are important in discovering the development of crime. Destructive Brain Processes Research has shown that certain brain structures will redeem and destroy aggressive behaviour.

If structures are induced by tumours, inflammatory processes, or other brain disease, it will result in aggressive verbal and physical behaviour. (Figure 1.0) Figure one shows the brain, all hunky dory, both good and evil are present. (Figure 2.0) Figure two shows the average human brain, in which good is triumphing over evil. (Figure 3.0) Figure three shows a traumatic experience damaging the good structure... the bad one looks mighty vengeful... (Figure 4.0) Figure four shows the evil now has taken over, with no good to keep him in line. The good is banished to some desolate part of the brain where he is forced to watch reruns of Full House, over and over again...

Brain Damage Brain injury patients are described as aggressive, irritable and unable to control their tempers. Patients are usually not convicted because they are removed from the community before a crime is committed. There is no way to tell whether brain injury precedes the illegal behaviour or whether it is their reoccurring behaviour. Epileptic Disorders Epilepsy affects a small number of brain cells resulting in brain damage.

In some cases seizures may induce aggressive behaviour, only when brain damage is evident. Violent and criminal behaviour may be the product of seizures, but is extremely rare. Endocrine Disorders The majority of convicted women committed the illegal acts preceding menstruation or on the first day of their menstrual period. Only some women offenders are prone to aggressive behaviour during PMS or menstrual periods. In some cases, PMS exaggerates their natural aggressive behaviour. Minimal Brain Damage Some studies show that young offenders have difficulty with verbal functions, planning, inhibition and concentration, and have lower IQ's.

The relationship between cognitive functioning (stuff your brain does) and criminality also has to do with heredity factors, and the environment the individual is brought up in. The brain damage found in young offenders could be the result of injury to the brain during pregnancy or early life. Children who were physically abused are at increased risk for criminality due to head injuries they sustained. Boys are at risk of being criminals more than girls because their central nervous system is more fragile than that of girls. Brain Neuro chemistry In the brain, low serotonin levels and a history of antisocial behaviour, have been associated with impulsive violence. Young offenders also show a high level of testosterone with is related to social dominance that can lead to frustration.

Psychophysiological Factors Studies of the electrodermal responses ( what the @#! does that mean? Well, it's simply the electrical activity of the sweat glands in the skin) show that slow recovery to baseline rates measured in young boys relates to delinquency and aggressiveness. Among adult males criminals predicts recidivism. Low pulse rates at age 9 pointed towards violent crimes and sex crimes later in life. Low heart rate and slow brain activity is also a factor. Is this a load of crap?

Perhaps, but studies have proved it to be true! Q: So who is "Mednick" anyways... ? A: Mednick is a man who has studied the development of criminality, and come up with three theories to how a child learns how to behave, according to social norms.

They are... 1. A censuring agent 2. An adequate fear response 3. Fear response and an antisocial act 4. Fast dissipation of fear for a natural positive reinforcement.

Endocrine Factors Low levels of adrenaline in juveniles can lead to aggressiveness and restlessness even when unprovoked. Low blood sugar, inadequate nutrition and high alcohol intake can all also bring about confusion, memory loss, and impulsive violent behaviour. Cholesterol and triiodothyronine (another hormone) are found in early offenders Antisocial behaviour can equate to criminality as well, however it CAN BE CHANGED by the environment, so don't worry too much about your weirdo neighbour that never seems to leave the house. Psychopathy 22% of inmates are PSYCHOPATHS! Pretty scary! Psychopathy can be genetic, so if you " re dad's crazy, and your mom's crazy, then stay the hell away from us!

Here are a few interesting facts about psychopathy... o Lower electrodermal activity levels are also found in psychopaths. o They have normal to high IQ's. o They tend to have little to no reaction in anticipation of positive or negative events. o They tune out incoming stimuli and inherit fear. o A psychopath can not activate the ventral part of the frontal lobes of his / her brain. These lobes are responsible for impulse control and odour detection. o They speak more quickly and quietly o They do not learn from negative experiences or punishments Major Metal Disorders People suffering from major mental disorders are more likely to commit crimes of violence, including homicide. They are also often re-offenders. There are two types of offenders in this category: 1. Early Starters- Antisocial behaviour is present at an early age. 2.

Late Starters- They begin offending when the disorder is present Alcohol and Drug Abuse Inherited alcoholism, more than half of inmates have used or still use.