NCJ Number
77781
Date Published
1981
Length
204 pages
Annotation
Biological and physical factors that affect criminal behavior are examined, with particular attention to food, the environment, drugs, and legal substances such as alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco.
Abstract
An introductory discussion of the bio-physical approach to crime causation describes studies which have demonstrated a link between blood chemicals, hypoglycemia, and aggression. Research into the impact of hormones, stress, and brain dysfunction on behavior is also discussed. The effects of prenatal nutrition and malnutrition on children are assessed, as are the roles of vitamins and amino acids in mental health. Several case histories illustrate positive relationships between deviant behavior and food additives, allergies, and hypoglycemia. Some researchers believe that food allergies produce a pattern of violence and uncontrollable actions that begins with infant feeding problems and progresses through childhood hyperactivity, juvenile delinquency, and adult criminal activity. The behavioral consequences of noise pollution, air quality, lack of proper lights, and radiation are also analyzed. Other potential causes of crime considered in the book include lithium, weather and climate, and premenstrual tension. The ways that alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine contribute to aggressive behavior are outlined, with attention to the correlations between high consumption of sugar and excessive alcohol or caffeine use. A discussion of drugs concentrates on prescription drugs sold on the streets and then addresses commonly prescribed medicines such as synthetic hormones and anticholinergic drugs. A new approach to rehabilitation is proposed which involves improved prison diets, reduction of noise, and treatment efforts which investigate bio-physical problems. Finally, a biotic prevention program advocates expanding federally funded prenatal care services, removing junk food from schools, labeling all foods, testing additives, and reducing environmental pollution of all kinds. A bibliography of approximately 200 references and an index are provided.