Criminal Behavior

Abstract

Criminology, as a field, has historically focused on social factors that contribute to the perpetration of crime. Although research has supported these influences as important predictors of criminal behavior, a substantial body of literature suggests that biological mechanisms also serve as risk and protective factors. In fact, research in this area has demonstrated that examining the interaction effect between biological and social influences provides a more holistic picture of criminal behavior. In the current article, research examining autonomic arousal, neurobiology and neuroendocrine functioning will be presented to provide an overview of the general themes among the findings. Based on the strong evidence in support of the inclusion of biological influences in models predicting criminal behavior, it is recommended that the field of criminology strive to use biosocial models in future research.