XYY syndrome Flashcards
what is XYY syndrome?
it is the development of a genetic mutation of a second Y gene in men
how rare is it?
it occurs in 1 of 1000 male births
what did michael court brown (1968) conclude? and what is the social implications of this?
after a 2 year study of 314 patents with XYY, he concluded that they were ‘best hospitalised due to an increased likelihood of aggressive behavior’.
The implications of this being a stigmatisation of people with XYY syndrome even if they don’t portray aggressive behaviour.
what are the physical characteristics of people with XYY?
Acne, tall
what are the behavioural characteristics of XYY syndrome?
temper tantrums, impulsivity, defiant behaviours, aggressive behaviours.
why is it hard to demonstrate XYY causes criminal behaviour?
no cause and effect between the disorder and the behaviour.
Evidence to deny the theory of XYY?
Witkin - only found 12 cases of XYY in 4,000 danish prisoners and none of them were violent criminals, discrediting the theory that XYY people are more aggressive and will become criminals.
