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Evil's Anatomy: Structural Correlates of Violent Behavior.

Sergio Moreno-Jiménez1,2, Mariana Olguín Gómez1, Paola Mariana Quiñones Nájera3

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Summary

Neuroanatomical differences in brain structures like the prefrontal cortex and amygdala are linked to psychopathy and violent behavior. Environmental factors also play a role in the neurobiology of evil.

Keywords:
grey matterneurobiology of evilneuroimagingprefrontal cortexpsychopathyviolent behavior

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Criminology
  • Forensic Psychiatry

Background:

  • The relationship between neuroanatomy and 'evil' traits like psychopathy is an emerging research area.
  • Understanding the brain's role in violent behavior is crucial for developing interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review neuroscientific evidence on brain structure in individuals with psychopathic and antisocial traits.
  • To analyze how neuroanatomical alterations correlate with violent behavior and emotional deficits.

Main Methods:

  • A narrative review of studies identified through literature searches in PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar.
  • Inclusion of neuroimaging, neuroanatomy, and psychopathy research from peer-reviewed journals using keywords like 'anatomy of evil' and 'neurobiology of crime'.

Main Results:

  • Alterations in grey matter volume (prefrontal cortex, amygdala, hippocampus) are associated with impulsivity, lack of empathy, and aggression.
  • Abnormalities in white matter and connectivity correlate with emotional regulation and decision-making deficits.
  • Homicide offenders show distinct neuroanatomical differences compared to other violent criminals.

Conclusions:

  • Neuroanatomical patterns may predispose individuals to violent and psychopathic behaviors, but are not deterministic.
  • Environmental factors significantly modulate the impact of neurobiological predispositions.
  • Further longitudinal and functional MRI studies are needed to establish causality in the neurobiology of evil.