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Biological Explanations of Offending Behaviour

Introduction to Biological Theories

Core Definition

Biological explanations of offending behaviour focus on the idea that genetic and neurophysiological factors can predispose individuals towards criminality. These perspectives are important in forensic psychology as they connect biology with behaviour, but they also raise ethical and social questions about free will and determinism.

Evidence for Genetic Influence

Genetic explanations argue that criminal behaviour can be inherited and that some people carry “criminal genes” or a genetic predisposition for antisocial behaviour.

1

Twin Studies

Christiansen (1977) found concordance rates of around 33% for MZ twins compared to 12% for DZ twins, suggesting genetic influence.
2

Adoption Studies

Mednick et al. (1984) found higher criminality rates if biological parents were criminals, suggesting genetic influence, though environment modifies this risk.
3

Candidate Genes

The MAOA gene (“warrior gene”) affects dopamine and serotonin regulation. Low activity variants are linked to increased aggressive and violent behaviour.

Key Biological Glossary

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Concordance Rate

Similarity of offending behaviour between twins.
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Prefrontal Cortex

Brain area for decision-making and impulse control; dysfunction is linked to aggression.
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Polygenic Influence

Criminality influenced by many genes with small, interacting effects.
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Amygdala

Plays a key role in processing fear and aggression; reduced activity linked to psychopathy.

Strengths vs. Criticisms

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Theoretical StrengthBiological explanations suggest biological differences in genes and brain function may increase the likelihood of offending behaviour.
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Key CriticismGenetics alone cannot predict who will become an offender; environmental factors such as upbringing, poverty, and social influences are crucial.

Focus of Neural Explanations

Neural explanations focus on differences or dysfunctions in brain structure and function linked to violent and antisocial acts.

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Prefrontal Cortex

Damage or reduced activity here is linked to increased aggression, poor judgment, and risky behaviour (e.g., Phineas Gage).
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Neurochemical Factors

Low serotonin levels are associated with increased aggression and irritability.
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Brain Imaging Studies

Raine et al. (1997) found reduced prefrontal cortex activity in murderers using techniques like PET/MRI.

ANS and Offending Behaviour

The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) may influence sensitivity to punishment.

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Why does decreased physiological arousal (underactive ANS) matter for criminal behaviour?
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It causes fearlessness and reduced sensitivity to punishment, making antisocial behaviour more likely.

The Interactionist Equation

Genetic Vulnerability + Adverse Environment = Offending Behaviour
Most modern explanations consider that genetic vulnerabilities combined with adverse environmental factors lead to the expression of antisocial behaviour (Gene-Environment Interaction).

Cautionary Pro Tip

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Avoid Reductionism: These explanations risk biological reductionism, ignoring crucial social and psychological influences. Biological findings alone cannot fully explain the complexity of criminal behaviour.

Biological Explanations of Offending Behaviour
Term
Biological explanations focus on

What do biological explanations of offending behaviour focus on?

Answer
Focus

Genetic and neurophysiological factors that might predispose individuals toward criminality.

Term
Twin studies significance

What is the significance of twin studies in genetic explanations?

Answer
Twin Studies

They compare criminal concordance rates between identical (MZ) and non-identical (DZ) twins to assess genetic influence.

Term
Christiansen (1977) findings

What did Christiansen (1977) find in twin studies related to criminality?

Answer
Findings

MZ twins showed 33% concordance for offending, DZ twins 12%, implying genetics plays a role.

Term
Adoption studies role

What is the role of adoption studies in understanding offending behaviour?

Answer
Adoption Studies

They compare criminality in adopted children with biological and adoptive parents to separate genetic from environmental influences.

Term
The warrior gene

Which gene is often called the “warrior gene” related to aggression?

Answer
MAOA Gene

The MAOA gene.

Term
MAOA gene effects

How does the MAOA gene affect behaviour?

Answer
Effect

Low activity variants are linked to increased risk of aggression, especially with childhood maltreatment.

Term
Brain area: impulse control

What brain area is linked to impulse control and decision-making?

Answer
Brain Area

The prefrontal cortex.

Term
Amygdala dysfunction

How does dysfunction in the amygdala relate to offending?

Answer
Relation

Reduced amygdala activity is associated with decreased fear and empathy, increasing aggression.

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Neurochemical imbalances

What do neurochemical imbalances, such as low serotonin, contribute to?

Answer
Contribution

Increased impulsivity and aggression.

Term
ANS influence

How does the autonomic nervous system (ANS) influence offending behaviour?

Answer
ANS Role

Low physiological arousal (e.g., low heart rate) may cause fearlessness and increase antisocial tendencies.

Term
Gene-environment interaction

What is gene-environment interaction?

Answer
Interaction

The combination of genetic predispositions and environmental factors leading to offending behaviour.

Term
Common criticisms

What are common criticisms of biological explanations?

Answer
Criticisms

They ignore environmental influences and may lead to genetic determinism or reductionism.

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🧬 Biological Explanations of Offending Behaviour Quiz

1. Which type of twin shares 100% of their genes, making them more useful for studying genetic influences?

Monozygotic twins are genetically identical, so higher concordance rates suggest genetic factors.

2. The MAOA gene is often called the “warrior gene” because it is linked to:

Low activity variants of MAOA are linked to aggression, especially combined with childhood trauma.

3. True or False: Adoption studies show that environment alone determines criminality.

Adoption studies show that biological parents’ criminality affects risk, indicating genetics also play a role.

4. Which brain region is primarily associated with impulse control and decision-making?

The prefrontal cortex regulates social behavior and impulse control.

5. Low physiological arousal in offenders is thought to relate to:

Lower arousal (e.g., low heart rate) may make offenders less responsive to fear of consequences.

6. Which of the following best describes the interactionist approach?

The interactionist model recognizes the interplay of biology and environment.

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