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Criminal Behavior and Biological Factors

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Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Walden University

CRJS-4102: The Criminal Mind

Thomas Kelley

February 7, 2021

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Criminal Behavior and Biological Factors

The focus of behavior genetics is to study the role genes play in the design and growth of

behavior in humans and animals. In deciding individual differences in behavior, it is the branch

of biology that examines the interaction between genes and the environment. Through research,

behavior genetics is particularly effective in disentangling genetics from environmental factors.

The field of biology that studies the structure and function of genes is molecular genetics. (Bartol

& Bartol, 2017). Behaviors, like crime, are the product of complicated, shared influential

relationships between biology, psychology, and the social environment of a person. The Keen

family could be showing signs that their criminal acts may be influenced by their genetic

makeup. While the Keen children are exhibiting both environmental and genetic reasons for their

criminal behavior.

Contemporary molecular biology concentrates on particular genes as the basis for such

behavioral traits. While traditional behavior genetics interprets behavioral distinctions from three

genetic or environmental influences: those influences attributable to genetic effects;

environmental influences shared by siblings (e.g., family environments); and influences that arise

from unshared siblings (Bartol & Bartol, 2017). Joseph and Susan have both behaved criminally

in front of their children they have also helped to create an environment for them that promotes

criminal behavior. Our immediate surroundings and environment affect our perceptions and

behaviors. There are internal forces that also contribute to our behavior. The father, Joseph, has a

total disregard for how he behaves as a role model for his family. He displays acts of aggression

in front of them, he does not seem to care about his substance abuse problems, and he is violent

and disrespectful towards women. The mother, Susan, does not provide the proper home

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environment either. She stole drugs that are illegal without a prescription from her place of work,

has her daughter steal that same drug for her, and drinks alcohol with her underage son.

Behavioral genetics studies have shown that for identical twins, criminal and violent behavior

is associated with about .70, but only about .40 for fraternal twins (Tehrani & Mednick, 2000).

Joseph’s aggressive behavior could have been passed down to the children who have both

expressed aggression and violent ways for situations that a typical person would not behave the

same way. Neurochemicals in areas of the brain cause the activation of behavioral patterns and

tendencies. One example of this is that a structural gene mutation in monoamine oxidase gives

rise to an acute build-up of neurotransmitters linked to the body’s fight or flight’ responses to

stressful conditions. (Wilson. 2011).

Other factors that contribute to criminal behavior for the Keen family could be their

environment away from home. The father has his drinking buddies at the bar he frequents who

must not set the best example and the mother had a co-worker help assist her in stealing from

their place of employment. While the daughter is with an abusive man and the son’s friends

smoke weed with him. None of them are in healthy environments away from their unhealthy

home environment. This only makes it that much harder for them to behave in a law-abiding

way. The Keen family seems to have many issues contributing to their criminal behavior. From

genetics and chemicals their brains may produce to their environment. These biological factors

are hurting them and helping to supply their criminal thoughts, views, and ways.

This study source was downloaded by 100000800531006 from CourseHero.com on 10-30-2021 16:05:49 GMT -05:00

https://www.coursehero.com/file/81844391/WK4AssgnGeneticsdocx/

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References

Bartol, C. R., & Bartol, A. M. (2017). Criminal behavior: A psychological approach (11th ed.).

Boston, MA: Pearson

Tehrani, J. A. & Mednick, S. A. (2000 December). Genetic factors and criminal behavior.

Federal Probation Journal 64(2), 24-27. [PDF]. Retrieved from

https://www.uscourts.gov/federal-probation-journal/2000/12/genetic-

factors-and- criminal-behavior

Wilson, J. W. (2011). Debating genetics as a predictor of criminal offending and sentencing.

Retrieved from http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/593/debating-genetics-as-a-

predictor-of-criminal-offending-and-sentencing

This study source was downloaded by 100000800531006 from CourseHero.com on 10-30-2021 16:05:49 GMT -05:00

https://www.coursehero.com/file/81844391/WK4AssgnGeneticsdocx/

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