Genetic Development
Disease and Disorder: Mutations in certain genes have been believed to be the cause of antisocial behavior. The overexpression of a certain neurotransmitter, seretonin, is believed to be the cause of this behavior. Serotonin, which controls the brain’s pleasure center, is constantly active which makes one decide to do things to satisfy themselves, rather than think of the consequences. As many of the behaviors are pleasure oriented, a overexpression of seretonin leads one to actively seek out these situations.
Inheritance: It is believed that certain personality characteristics are passed down from genes. This can be seen in a child’s temperment as they are born. Certain traits that are dominant in people who conduct antisocial behavior are pronounced in a child’s temperment.
Read more about this topic: Anti-social Behaviour
Famous quotes containing the words genetic and/or development:
“Nature, we are starting to realize, is every bit as important as nurture. Genetic influences, brain chemistry, and neurological development contribute strongly to who we are as children and what we become as adults. For example, tendencies to excessive worrying or timidity, leadership qualities, risk taking, obedience to authority, all appear to have a constitutional aspect.”
—Stanley Turecki (20th century)
“For the child whose impulsiveness is indulged, who retains his primitive-discharge mechanisms, is not only an ill-behaved child but a child whose intellectual development is slowed down. No matter how well he is endowed intellectually, if direct action and immediate gratification are the guiding principles of his behavior, there will be less incentive to develop the higher mental processes, to reason, to employ the imagination creatively. . . .”
—Selma H. Fraiberg (20th century)