● In their article, Jansari and Philippe outline the relationship between Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in childhood and subsequent increased risk of offending in adulthood. They argue that damage to the prefrontal cortex in particular (responsible for activities such as planning and decision-making, short-term memory and behaviour control) may lead to an increased risk of offending behaviour. From what you have learned in biopsychology and also cognitive psychology (for example, memory), suggest how such brain damage may lead to criminal behaviour (for example, impaired judgement).
● Although the article focuses on biological factors linked to criminality, a diathesis-stress model may also operate here, where the diathesis is the brain injury and the stressor could be environmental (including social) factors. How might this interaction work? For example, can you give examples of social factors that might determine whether or not someone with a brain injury goes on to offend?
Your organisation does not have access to this article.
Sign up today to give your students the edge they need to achieve their best grades with subject expertise
Subscribe