Neurosocial Perspective on the Assessment and Etiology of Persistent Criminality (Concluded)

• NCJ Number: 81168
• Journal: Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 14 Issue: 1 Dated: (September 1981) Pages: 20-44
• Author(s): L T Yeudall; O Fedora; S Fedora; W Wardell
• Date Published: 1981
• Length: 25 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: Alberta Mental Health Advisory Council; Alberta Dept of Social Services and Community Health; Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: Australia
• Note: The first part of this article was printed in the previous issue of the Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences, Volume 13, Number 4.

Annotation

The neuropsychological evidence reviewed in this paper suggests that there is evidence for a high incidence of brain dysfunction in a recidivistic criminal population referred for assessment by the courts.

Abstract

Several points are important when considering the relationship between brain dysfunction and its effects upon criminal behavior. The major points are that brain dysfunction varies in nature, localization, lateralization, and severity, and that age of onset and various patterns of brain dysfunction differentially interact with socioeconomic and environmental factors. In addition, other factors, including genetic influences, gender-related influences, socioeconomic background, and psychiatric disorders, are of etiological significance to the brain dysfunction; they covary and interact with the dysfunction. Systematic investigations using a multivariate approach involving variables which are sensitive to neurological, psychological, and sociological factors would be predicted to yield significantly greater understanding of the etiological factors associated with persistent criminal behavior. Over 150 references are provided. (Author summary modified)