Criminal behaviour has long intrigued researchers, policymakers, and the public. What makes someone commit a crime? Is it a matter of choice, circumstance, or something deeper within the human body and mind? This blog post explores the biological and psychological explanations of criminal behaviour, weaving through historical and contemporary theories, case studies, and both international and Indian contexts to offer a comprehensive understanding.
Biological Explanations of Criminal Behaviour
Biological theories posit that criminal tendencies may arise from physiological and genetic factors. These explanations stem from the belief that certain individuals are predisposed to criminality due to their biological makeup.
1. Genetic Influences: Research has shown that criminal behaviour can have a heritable component. Twin and adoption studies, such as those conducted by Mednick et al. (1984), indicated higher concordance rates of criminal behaviour among identical twins than fraternal ones.
2. Neurophysiological Factors: Abnormalities in brain structure and function, especially in the prefrontal cortex, have been linked to impulsive and aggressive behaviour. Neuroscientist Adrian Raine has conducted extensive work on brain imaging to explore the neurobiological roots of criminality.
3. Neurotransmitters and Hormones: Imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin and hormones like testosterone have been associated with aggression and violence. Low serotonin levels, in particular, are consistently found in individuals with a history of violent offences.
Case Study: Charles Whitman
The infamous Texas Tower Sniper, Charles Whitman, killed 16 people in 1966 from a tower at the University of Texas. Before the rampage, Whitman wrote a note expressing concerns over his deteriorating mental health and violent impulses. Following his death, an autopsy revealed a glioblastoma tumor pressing against his amygdala—a brain region critical to emotion regulation and aggression control.
Medical professionals and criminologists have since debated whether the tumor could have significantly altered Whitman’s behaviour. Neuroscientist Adrian Raine often cites this case when explaining how brain dysfunction may influence behaviour. Though a tumor cannot justify criminal acts, it can potentially explain a loss of impulse control and heightened aggression.
Whitman’s case marked one of the earliest public discussions on the biological underpinnings of extreme violence. It also prompted greater interest in neurocriminology—a field examining how abnormalities in brain function contribute to criminal tendencies. His story continues to be referenced in psychological literature as a key example of how biological factors can impact behaviour beyond conscious control.
Indian Context: Behavioural Genetics in India
While India lacks comprehensive genetic studies on criminality, the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) has initiated research into behavioural genetics, paving the way for understanding the Indian genetic landscape in relation to antisocial behaviour.
Psychological Explanations of Criminal Behaviour
Psychological theories examine the influence of mental processes, personality traits, and early life experiences in shaping criminal tendencies.
1. Psychoanalytic Theory: According to Sigmund Freud, unresolved childhood conflicts and an imbalance among the id, ego, and superego can lead to deviant behaviour. A dominant id can result in impulsive actions without regard for consequences.
2. Behavioural Theory: B.F. Skinner emphasized the role of reinforcement and punishment. If criminal actions are rewarded (e.g., financial gain), the behaviour is likely to be repeated.
3. Cognitive Theory: Albert Bandura’s Social Learning Theory suggests that individuals learn aggressive behaviours through observation and imitation, particularly when such actions are modeled by influential figures.
4. Personality Theories: Traits such as impulsivity, narcissism, and psychopathy have been closely linked with criminal behaviour. The Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) developed by Robert Hare is widely used to assess the risk of psychopathy in criminals.
Case Study: Ted Bundy
Ted Bundy, one of America’s most infamous serial killers, is often studied in psychological criminology for his unique blend of intelligence, charm, and horrific violence. Active during the 1970s, Bundy confessed to killing over 30 women across multiple states. Psychological profiling revealed traits consistent with antisocial personality disorder and narcissistic personality disorder, marked by a lack of empathy, grandiosity, and manipulativeness.
Bundy was a master manipulator who often feigned injury to lure his victims. His ability to blend into society—a law student with political aspirations—made his crimes even more shocking. Psychiatric assessments determined he lacked remorse and exhibited traits from the higher end of the psychopathy spectrum on Hare’s PCL-R.
Bundy’s trial also marked a turning point in forensic psychology and media coverage. He chose to represent himself in court, further displaying his need for control and self-importance. Experts still use Bundy’s profile to train law enforcement and forensic psychologists in identifying and understanding psychopathic behaviour.
Indian Context: Psychological Profiling in India
India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been using psychological profiling and narco-analysis in complex cases. The Nithari killings, involving Surinder Koli, prompted detailed psychological and forensic analysis.
Integrative Approaches: Nature Meets Nurture
Increasingly, experts advocate for a biosocial model, recognizing that neither biology nor psychology alone can fully explain criminal behaviour. Environmental factors like poverty, trauma, and peer influence interact with genetic predispositions to shape behaviour.
Case Study: The Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study
This long-term study in New Zealand tracked 1,000 individuals from birth. It found that those with a specific MAOA gene variant, when exposed to childhood maltreatment, were more likely to develop antisocial behaviour.
Crime Prevention and Rehabilitation
Understanding the root causes of crime is essential for developing effective interventions.
- Early intervention programs, especially in schools, can help children at risk.
- Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) has shown promise in rehabilitating offenders by reshaping their thinking patterns.
- Pharmacological treatments, such as SSRIs, are sometimes used to manage impulsivity and aggression.
Indian Innovations
The Tihar Jail rehabilitation program under Kiran Bedi introduced yoga, meditation, and vocational training, showcasing how holistic approaches can reduce recidivism.
Conclusion
Criminal behaviour is the result of a complex interplay between biological dispositions and psychological processes. By exploring both realms, we not only deepen our understanding of why crimes occur but also pave the way for more empathetic and effective approaches to prevention and rehabilitation. Future research, especially in underexplored regions like India, holds promise for unlocking further insights into the mind of the criminal.
Bibliography
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Mednick, S. A., Gabrielli, W. F., & Hutchings, B. (1984). Genetic influences in criminal convictions: Evidence from an adoption study. Science, 224(4651), 891-894.
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Raine, A. (2013). The Anatomy of Violence: The Biological Roots of Crime. Pantheon Books.
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Hare, R. D. (2003). Without Conscience: The Disturbing World of the Psychopaths Among Us. Guilford Press.
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Bandura, A. (1977). Social Learning Theory. Prentice Hall.
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Freud, S. (1923). The Ego and the Id. SE, 19: 12–66.
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Skinner, B. F. (1953). Science and Human Behavior. Macmillan.
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Caspi, A., McClay, J., Moffitt, T. E., et al. (2002). Role of genotype in the cycle of violence in maltreated children. Science, 297(5582), 851-854.
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Indian Journal of Psychiatry. (2020). “Psychological profiling in Indian criminal investigations”. Link
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Psychology Today. (2011). Was the Texas sniper insane? Link
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The Better India. (2017). Kiran Bedi’s Tihar Jail reforms. Link
