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Onset and Desistance in Criminal Careers: Neurobiology and the Age-Crime Relationship

NCJ Number
208109
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 39 Issue: 3 Dated: 2004 Pages: 1-19
Author(s)
Raymond E. Collins
Editor(s)
Nathaniel J. Pallone Ph.D.
Date Published
2004
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This article examines specific areas of current neural research and the consequences for behavior as it correlates with the age-crime curve, of the effects of neurotransmission.
Abstract
Recent research has concerned itself with the potential consequences of the effects of neurobiological influences on brain behavior and therefore, human behavior. The human neurobiological system consists of the brain and the spinal cord. The brain contains about 100 billion neurons. The regulated transmission of chemical and electrical signals through circuits formed by chains of neurons is the basis of all behavior. In this article, specific areas of current neural research are discussed, as well as the potential consequences for behavior as it correlates with the age-crime curve, specifically the desistance seen from criminal offending during the transition period from adolescence into young adulthood. In addressing current research, the article discusses various chemicals and their interactions that induce aggressive behavior, such as serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine (NE), acetylcholine, testosterone, and y-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Other neural research discussed include: (1) the genome analysis of brain genetics; (2) social control theory and developmental criminology; (3) other biobehavioral issues; and (4) neurobiology and risk-taking, sensation-seeking, and aggressive behavior. References

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