Bio-criminology: Individual Criminal Behaviors

Bio-criminology Institution: Course: Instructor: Name: Date: BIO-CRIMINOLOGY Bio-criminology suggests that individual criminal behaviors are genetically predetermined. According to bio-criminologists, a stable amount of minerals and chemicals is required in the body for normal brain functioning and growth. Ellis (2005) suggests that cognitive and learning deficits are subject to chemical and mineral imbalances, which are also associated with antisocial behaviors. Previous studies have associated hypoglycemia and abnormal levels of male sex hormones to violence and aggressive behaviors respectively. Imbalanced serotonin and autonomic arousal, as well as impaired prefrontal cortical functioning, are also related to crime and antisocial behavior. The genes that are linked to crime affect the neurotransmitter systems. For example, a dopamine-sensitive gene triggers a sensation characterized by antisocial behavior. Correlates of crime are variables that have repeatedly been investigated concerning criminal behavior and found to show a consistent relationship with such behavior. The paper investigates the links between criminality and various biological variables, including food, drugs, and environmental contaminants. Additionally, the paper also analyses the role of both male and female hormones in criminal behavior in individuals. Various studies have been carried out in the attempt to investigate the relationship between nutrition or toxins and criminal behaviors, including violence and antisocial practices (Denno, 1990; Ellis, 2005). Such studies mainly involve correlational analysis of sugar, cholesterol, and lead toxicity but often face some forms of methodological shortcomings. Excessive intake sugary foods are associated with hypoglycemia and are common in individuals who are likely to engage in criminal activities. But other studies have highlighted several methodological shortcomings in researches that associate sugar intake with criminality (Raine, 2013). The role of sugar intake in antisocial behaviors is still not yet clear. Although sugar is said to cause hyperactivity in children, the research methods used are doubtful. For sugar intake to be linked to criminal habits, their needs to be a solid research methodology while investigating possible negative effects of sugar. Similarly, several studies associate blood cholesterol and violent habits and such studies present same methodological shortcomings as those associating sugar and violent behavior (DiLalla&Gottesman, 1991). Lastly, exposure to lead whether in the diet or environment is said to have negative effects on the normal functioning of the brain. It causes learning disabilities and attention deficit disorder in children. Other studies associate exposure to lead with increased risk of developing antisocial behaviors. However, the studies should continue investigating the connection between lead exposure and negative behavioral habits in future. The brain usually derives its energy from glucose, a type of natural sugar. Availability of glucose in the bloodstream is mainly regulated by the pancreas, with the aid of chemical messages from the hypothalamus. Too low or too high levels of glucose in the blood trigger the hypothalamus to send chemical impulses to the pancreas to either inhibit or increase glucose production (Raine, 2013). The process of increasing or reducing blood-sugar level is carried out by regulating the amount of insulin released into the bloodstream. Under normal circumstances, the amount of glucose in the brain is maintained at stable levels by this natural regulatory process. However, the process of stabilizing brain glucose levels may be difficult for some people. Instability of glucose levels in the brain is known as hypoglycemia. Sudden changes in the brain glucose temporarily destabilize one's moods and thoughts and can be manifested by symptoms such as confusion, irritability, and difficulty concentrating (Ellis, 2005).Various studies have shown a positive relationship between hypoglycemia and the probability of violent behaviors and other crimes involving adults. Although hypoglycemia is a rare condition, it is more prevalent in populations of violent offenders. Dramatic fluctuations in brain glucose levels distorts the signals received by the frontal lobes from the limbic systems thus resulting into uncontrollable emotions that might include violent and antisocial responses (Raine, 2013). The relationships between drug and alcohol abuse and violent behavior can be presented in either biological, psychosocial, social, cultural, or economic aspects of human life. Violence and antisocial behaviors can take the form of the victim’s need to look for money to buy drugs or when war breaks as drug gangs crash over certain territories. Alcohol consumption causes a temporary increase of aggressive behavior in its smaller doses and a temporary decrease in aggressive behavior in higher doses (Rowe, 2002). The increased aggressiveness in small doses can be attributed to the dis-inhibiting effect of alcohol. In this case, people under the influence of alcohol are likely to reveal their inhibitions while increasing productivity of the endocrine systems especially the production of testosterone. In a neurobiological perspective, the functioning of alcohol in the body may involve EEG abnormalities and the influence of serotonin (DiLalla&Gottesman, 1991). However, there is little evidence or research to support such assertions. Other studies associate the relationship between alcohol and disruptive behavior with genetic aspects,...