Running head: BRAIN DYSFUNCTION
Brain Dysfunction in Criminal Behavior
Victoria M. Williams
CRJ 308, Psychology of Criminal Behavior
Dr. Florence Ferguson
August 31, 2015
BRAIN DYSFUNCTION
Brain Dysfunction in Criminal Behavior
Research has shown that there is a connection between brain damage and criminal behavior (Marsh & Martinovich, 2006). The brain has to perform executive functions in order for a person to be able to regulate their behavior (DeLisi, 2013). When damage occurs, the brain becomes unable to perform the executive functions that are necessary to prevent inappropriate and criminal behavior (DeLisi, 2013). When executive functioning in the brain is less than optimal, a person will be at an increased risk for criminal behavior (DeLisi, 2013). Brain dysfunction can result in increased levels of aggression, the development of psychopathic personality traits and neuropsychological deficits (Beaver, Vaughan, DeLisi, & Higgins, 2010). All of these factors can increase a person’s risk for criminal behavior.
Damage to the brain can disrupt executive functioning and cause a person to display aggression that can lead to criminal behavior (Beaver, et al., 2010). Damage to the prefrontal region in the brain has been associated with an increase in aggression and violent behavior (Beaver, et al, 2010). Within this region, the frontal lobes are responsible for regulating socially appropriate behavior, self-control and impulse control (Seidan, 2008). When this region is damaged, a person’s ability to control their abnormal impulses will be lost (Seidan, 2008). When a person is unable to control their impulses, he/she will be more likely to engage in criminal behavior because their ability to make appropriate judgments has been comprised (Seidan, 2008). As a result, a person may display violent and aggressive behavior because of the inability to control their impulses and make responsible decisions (Seidan, 2008). In...