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Biopsychosocial Factors in Crime

Chapter 8 discusses the biopsychosocial approach to criminology, emphasizing the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding criminal behavior. It highlights concepts such as moral insanity, premenstrual syndrome as a defense in criminal cases, and the battered child and woman syndromes, illustrating how these factors can influence mental health and behavior. The chapter underscores the complexity of criminal behavior and the need for a multidisciplinary perspective in addressing it.

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Rey Redulla
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3 views1 page

Biopsychosocial Factors in Crime

Chapter 8 discusses the biopsychosocial approach to criminology, emphasizing the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding criminal behavior. It highlights concepts such as moral insanity, premenstrual syndrome as a defense in criminal cases, and the battered child and woman syndromes, illustrating how these factors can influence mental health and behavior. The chapter underscores the complexity of criminal behavior and the need for a multidisciplinary perspective in addressing it.

Uploaded by

Rey Redulla
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Chapter 8

Biopsychosocial criminology and psychology is a multidisciplinary approach to understanding criminal


behavior (and related outcomes such as antisocial behavior and its consequences) by taking into account
the interactions of biological (e.g., genetics, hormones, physiology, brain structure/functioning),
psychological, and sociological factors.

The 'bio' component of this paradigm investigates components of biology that influence health. These
could include brain alterations, genetics, or the functioning of main body organs such as the liver,
kidneys, or even the motor system. Assume Joan is involved in an accident and suffers from limited
movement in her right arm. This hormonal alteration may have an impact on how she feels about
herself, which could lead to despair or anxiety in specific settings. The theory's 'psycho' component
investigates psychological components such as thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Joan could
experience a wide range of psychological changes. She may have low self-esteem, be afraid of being
judged, or feel inadequate in her life or profession. These mental shifts may result in behavioral
adjustments such as avoiding specific situations, staying at home, or quitting her work. Her injuries may
worsen if she continues to engage in these behaviors, or she may experience additional depression and
anxiety. The'social' component of the BPS model investigates social aspects that may influence an
individual's health, such as our interactions with others, culture, or economic status. Joan's role in her
household could be a relevant social factor. Moral insanity was a term used to define people who were
otherwise normal except for a problem with a part of their brain. According to Maudsley, certain
persons may be judged mad or criminal depending on the perspective from which they are viewed. He
believes that for many people, crime serves as an outlet for their unsound tendencies; they would go
insane if they were not criminals, and they do not go insane because they are criminals.

Isaac Ray defended the concept of moral insanity, an illness first identified in 1806 by Philippe Pinel, a
French humanitarian and phychiatrist.

Premenstrual syndrome may be used as an affirmative defense to a criminal charge if the defendant can
show she was suffering from premenstrual syndrome at the time of committing the crime. In this case,
either the criminal act was involuntary or she lacked the mental state required by law for the
commission of such a crime.

Dr. C. Henry Kempe created the term battered child syndrome. It occurs at all levels of society, while the
incidence may be higher in lower-income households, where adult caregivers may experience greater
stress and social issues, as well as a greater lack of control over stressful conditions. Lack of education,
single parenthood, and alcoholism or other substance addictions are also risk factors.

The concept of legal self-defense is broadened by the battered woman syndrome (BWS). According to
this defense, a mistreated woman is effectively held captive in a violent household by a man who
isolates and terrorizes her, convinced her that if she quits, he would follow her down and murder her.

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