Week Eight - Brain Development

Question 1

Anti-social behaviour is not unusual..

Answer 1

Anti-social behavior is not unusual, so it is unlikely that much of it is caused by dramatic problems such as tumors, maladaptive genes or injuries

Question 2

Over the last 50 years, researchers have begun to understand the normal processes by which our brain develops in response to our environment..

Answer 2

Over the last 50 years, researchers have begun to understand the normal processes by which our brain develops ibn response to our environment. This development certainly continues into our early twenties and in all likelihood will be found to go on past the age of 30.

Question 3

Babies..

Answer 3

Even in the womb the baby is sensitive to the mother’s environment. If the mother is stressed during pregnancy it can lead to later anxiety and hyperactivity.

If babies are exposed to alcohol in the womb, they can have their development impaired. If the mother drinks heavily the babies may show fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) which is seen in about one in 500 births worldwide.

FAS is due to brain damage, especially o the prefrontal cortex, which leads to impulsivity, hyperactivity, attention difficulties, learning disabilities and problems with thinking things out - all of which we have seen, are risk factors for criminal behavior.

There is also danger at birth itself where complications such as lack of oxygen, forceps delivery and pre-eclampsia have been linked to conduct disorder, delinquency, impulsive crimes and violence as an adult in a range of studies.

As regards to the complex interactions between mother and baby, and identifying some of they key factors leading to successful early maturation, it is now believed that the first two to three years of life are crucial in the development of emotion.

Recent studies show the possibility of counteracting the damage by providing a supportive, patio net family environment through later childhood but also emphasize the long-term consequences in behavior, emotional sensitivity and expression and mental health if early neglect is not dealt with effectively.