Genetics and Criminal Behavior

There has been a long standing debate whether criminal behavior spawned from social or genetic factors, but until recently researchers have accepted that both can be responsible. Having genetic factors relating to mental disorders, alcoholism, and aggression can make an individual more predisposed to criminal behavior, than an individual who does not contain those genetic-criminal influences. Many criminals are diagnosed with having a mental disorder or an alcohol problem. Landsberg and Rees points out that, “The 2003 report of the National Center for Mental Health and Juvenile Justice (NCMHJJ) suggests that “70 to 80 percent are believed to have a diagnosable mental health disorder” and “at least one out of five has a serious mental disorder” (205). That percentage is extremely high and even though mental disorders do not solely originate from genetics, some of that percentage does pertain to genetics. It is also mentioned that alcohol and substance abuse disorders range from 50-70 percent in juveniles as well. “There is no single gene for Type II alcoholism but researchers have identifies several genes that may be involved, particularly those involved with neurotransmitters function such as dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and others. These neurotransmitters are involved in brain function and have been linked to aggression and antisocial behavior” (Anderson 113). This is why the study of genetics is relevant to the research on criminal behavior.

Having genes that are associated with criminal behavior does not mean that an individual will become a criminal. “Genes do not cause crime, they simply influence all aspects of our body, including all the chemical messengers in the body, such as hormones and neurotransmitters; these, in turn, influence behavior” (Anderson 95). It is difficult to identify if a person will inherit genetic-criminal influences, and most importantly whether or not an individual will exhibit criminal behavior. Researchers study genetic factors that are linked to criminal behavior in hopes of becoming more aware and educated on how to prevent and treat those individuals genetically predisposed to crime.

Being predisposed to the possibility of criminal behavior through genetics can not be completely safeguarded through positive environmental factors. For example, take into account adoption studies dealing with children whose biological parents have a history crime and or mental disorders. There are studies that show, that children who were adopted and raised in a positive environment can still end up displaying criminal behavior. Tehrani and Mednick refers to a case on “ How does an individual who is raised in a stable adoptive home grow up to become Jeremy Strohmeyer, the young man convicted of raping and murdering an eight-year-old girl in a Nevada casino” (1). Cases like that reaffirm the importance of studying genetics.

When both negative social and genetic factors are present it can take a turn for the worst. Substance abuse is another negative factor to consider especially when it is associated with social and genetic criminal influences. Imagine a person inheriting a mental disorder, living in a criminal breeding environment, and compensate for his/her troubles through substances abuse; what good can come from those odds? However, a positive environment, health treatment, awareness, and preventative programs can decrease the opportunity of triggering and subjecting an individual to criminal behavior.

References

Anderson, Gail S. Biological influences on Criminal Behavior. New York: Simon Fraser University, 2007.

Mednick, Sarnoff A., and Jasmine A. Tehrani. “Genetic Factors and Criminal Behavior. Federal Probation Journal.” 64:2 (2000): 1-3.

Landsberg, Gerald, and Jo Rees. “Forensic Practices and Serving Dually Diagnosed Youth Involved With the Juvenile Justice System.” Handbook of Forensic Mental Health with Victims and Offenders. Ed. David W. Springer and Albert R. Roberts. New York: Springer, 2007. 205-208.