The Emergence of Violent Behaviour: An Examination of Individual and Social Factors — Beyond Genetics: Neurological, Biochemical and Neonatal

Beyond Genetics: Neurological, Biochemical and Neonatal

One such area which has received significant attention is the examination of the role hormones play in aggression and violence.

Testosterone and Serotonin have each received particular interest. In The Beast Within, Boyd (2000) discusses the correlation between the age group for which criminal behaviour is highest and the age at which testosterone peeks and remarked upon its significance.

Dabb, Carr, Frady and Riad (cited in Anderson, 2007) conducted a study which measured the salivary testosterone levels of 692 incarcerated adult males; this was compared with their criminal history and behaviour whilst in prison. They reported that offenders who were convicted for violent assaults had higher levels of testosterone than those who were convicted for instrumental crimes such as property or drug related offences.

Whilst such studies are interesting, the relationship proposed is far from conclusive. Some critics have postulated that testosterone levels fluctuate throughout the day and it is this fluctuation which correlates with aggression…