According to biological theories of criminality, what chemical factors in the body may account for increased aggression? Provide an example. What we punt into our bodies can have a great effect on our emotions, thoughts, and actions. Some chemicals are introduced into our bodies through food or drugs and some chemical imbalances are natural depending on the person and their body makeup. “Bio criminology has made some significant strides in linking violent or disruptive behavior to eating habits, vitamin deficiencies, genetic inheritance, and other conditions that affect the body”(Schmalleger, 2012).
Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar where too much insulin is present in the blood has been attributed to odd and sometimes criminal behavior by reducing the mind’s capacity to reason effectively or to judge the long-term consequences of behavior. Excess consumption of refined white sugar can lead hyperactivity, aggressiveness, excitability, and impairment of the ability to make reasoned decisions and may cause an otherwise ‘normal’ person to act out violently or commit a crime they otherwise probably would not commit.
This has even stood up in the court system with a reduced sentence of a police officer convicted of murdering two people on the grounds that his mental state was unbalanced due to a huge consumption of sugars and junk food. Other chemical factors in the body that may account for increased aggression can be an increased level of testosterone. “The male sex hormone testosterone has been linked to aggression. Most studies on the subject have consistently shown a relationship between high blood testosterone levels and increased aggressiveness in men” “(Schmalleger, 2012).
The Essay on Aggressive Behavior Aggression Group Stereotypes Social
Aggression is a behavioral characteristic that refers to forceful actions or procedures (such a deliberate attack) with intentions to dominate or master. It tends to be hostile, injurious, or destructive, and is often motivated by frustration (The Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 1995). For an individual, aggressive behavior is considered understandable and normal under appropriate circumstances, but ...
An increased level of Serotonin in the blood has also been linked to violent acts in people. Other chemical factors that may increase aggression can be alcohol and drug use, steroids, low cortisol levels, hormone’s, medications, foods, and overall diet.
References
Schmalleger, F. (2012).Criminology today :An integrative introduction. (6th ed.).
Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall
