Brain Explanations - Neurochemical Imbalance

Question 1

Serotonin and Criminality - description

Answer 1

• low levels of the ‘happy hormone’ have been linked to aggression and anti-social behaviour
• medication and foods (e.g. eggs, salmon, cheese, nuts) can help to increase levels of serotonin

Question 2

Serotonin and Criminality - Studies

Answer 2

Moir and Jessel (1995)

Scerbo and Raine (1993)

Question 3

Moir and Jessel (1995)

Answer 3

SEROTONIN STUDY

number of human and animal studies were conducted, which suggest a link between low levels of serotonin and aggression

Question 4

Scerbo and Raine (1993)

Answer 4

SEROTONIN STUDY
Meta-analysis of 29 pieces of research into anti-social adults and children, finding low levels of serotonin in all cases

Question 5

Steroids and Criminality - description

Answer 5

There are cases of individuals who take large amounts of steriods showing wxtremely violent behaviour known as ‘roid rage’
Drugs increase muscle growth, but also levels of testosterone, which can be linked to aggression levels

Question 6

Steroids and Criminality - Horace Williams

Answer 6

He is a body-builder who beat a man to death whilst taking 2000 times the recommended dosage of steroids

Question 7

Dopamine and Criminality

Answer 7

Helps to regulate our emotions

Increased feeling of pleasure from actions = more likely to repeat action/behaviour (Couppis)