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Evidence for a Heritable Brain Basis to Deviance-Promoting Deficits in Self-Control
James R Yancey1, Noah C Venables, Brian M Hicks
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States.
Journal of Criminal Justice
|November 5, 2013
Summary
Heritable weaknesses in self-control capacity increase the risk for antisocial and addictive behaviors. Reduced P300 brain response (a neurophysiological indicator) reflects this dispositional liability.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Criminology
- Behavioral Genetics
Background:
- Classic criminological theories link behavioral deviancy to impaired self-control.
- Reduced P300 brain response amplitude is associated with antisocial and substance-related disorders.
- P300 amplitude may indicate neurophysiological deficiencies in self-control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mediating role of self-control capacity in the relationship between P300 brain response and behavioral deviancy.
- To examine trait disinhibition as an operational measure of self-control capacity.
- To analyze these relationships in a sample of adult twins.
Main Methods:
- Assessed 419 adult twins for symptoms of antisocial/addictive disorders and P300 brain response.
- Measured self-control capacity using a scale for trait disinhibition.
- Employed twin modeling analyses to explore genetic and environmental influences.
Main Results:
- Higher trait disinhibition and greater disorder symptoms predicted smaller P300 amplitude.
- Trait disinhibition mediated the link between antisocial/addictive disorders and P300 response.
- Common genetic liability underlies trait disinhibition, disorder symptoms, and P300 response.
Conclusions:
- Heritable deficits in self-control capacity contribute to antisocial and addictive outcomes.
- P300 brain response serves as a neurophysiological index of this dispositional liability.
- Findings support a genetic link between self-control, brain function, and behavioral deviancy.
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