NCJ Number
196277
Journal
Aggression and Violent Behavior Volume: 7 Issue: 4 Dated: July-August 2002 Pages: 407-421
Editor(s)
Vincent B. Van Hasselt,
Michel Hersen
Date Published
2002
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This article is a study of the neuropsychological and neurobiological factors that influence homicidal behavior towards a perpetrator’s wife.
Abstract
The author reviews information regarding the factors that influence a man’s tendency towards uxoricide (the murder of one’s wife). The study’s scope is limited to murders of wives in response to, or in anticipation of, the spouse leaving the marriage. The author further narrowed the scope to abandonment and not estrangement perceptions. Abandonment homicides are typically committed by a male perpetrator with personality disorders related to childhood family trauma and disproportionate arousal rage towards women. These offenses are also characterized by poor or disorganized attempts to conceal the offense. Neurobiology and neuropsychology research on expressions of aggression is presented including work concerning the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). The development process of that area of the brain, including discussion of the impact of attachment disruptions during critical phases of such development is provided. Biochemical factors shown to be related to aggression include low levels of serotonin and high levels of norepinephrine. In general, the author found support for neurobiological factors influencing aggressive expressions of abandonment rage. 59 references