Prefrontal Dysfunction in Murderers Lacking Psychosocial Deficits

Abstract

Very few biological studies of violence have taken psychosocial influences into account as moderators of biology-violence relationships (Brennan et al, in press). Some studies have, however, shown that links between psychophysiological functioning (resting heart rate and the conditioned electrodermal response) and antisocial behavior is strongest in antisocials who come from benign social backgrounds (high social class, intact homes). Conversely, such links are minimized or even reversed in antisocials with psychosocial deficits (low SES, broken homes).