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Genetic perspectives on crime
1Social Science Research Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles 90089.
Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica. Supplementum
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Genetic factors significantly influence antisocial behavior. Studies on families, twins (monozygotic vs. dizygotic), and adoptees consistently indicate a hereditary component in the development of deviance.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Genetics
- Developmental Psychology
- Forensic Psychiatry
Background:
- Antisocial behavior presents a significant public health challenge.
- Understanding the etiology of antisocial behavior is crucial for effective intervention.
- Previous research suggests a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review empirical evidence for genetic influences on antisocial behavior.
- To evaluate different methodologies used in genetic investigations of deviance.
- To synthesize findings from family, twin, and adoption studies.
Main Methods:
- Review of family studies assessing deviance risk in relatives.
- Analysis of twin studies comparing monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twins.
- Examination of adoption studies comparing adoptees with biological and adoptive parents.
Main Results:
- Family studies show increased deviance risk in relatives but confound genetic and environmental factors.
- Twin studies suggest genetic influence if MZ twins exhibit higher concordance for deviance than DZ twins.
- Adoption studies, by separating genetic and environmental influences, provide stronger evidence for genetic etiology when adoptee outcomes resemble biological parents.
Conclusions:
- Empirical evidence supports a genetic contribution to the etiology of antisocial behavior.
- Adoption studies offer the most robust method for disentangling genetic and environmental effects.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate specific genetic mechanisms and their interaction with environmental factors.