Brain Function Abnormalities Associated with Chronic and Desisting Criminal Behavior

Although criminal behavior is determined by multiple factors, brain function abnormalities may underlie early emerging criminal behavior that persists into adulthood. Dysfunctions in the corticolimbic brain regions responsible for processing social emotion cues and responding to reinforcement contingencies have both been implicated in persistent criminal behavior. However, it is unclear whether brain function abnormalities differentiate early-onset chronic offenders from those offenders who eventually desist from crime. This presentation discusses findings from an ongoing fMRI study examining brain function abnormalities among men exhibiting chronic and desisting forms of criminal behavior who were recruited from a longstanding longitudinal study (i.e., Pittsburgh Youth Study). Brain regions subserving the processing of social emotion cues, as well as reinforcement responsivity, will be highlighted. Implications for understanding how abnormal brain function may influence the early initiation and maintenance of criminal behavior over time will be discussed.