Genetic and Hormonal Influences on Male Violence

Abstract

In many non-human animals, genes and hormones have clear effects on the aggressive behaviour of males. Genetic and hormonal factors have been suggested as possible causes of this difference in behaviour between the sexes. Social reactions are important in mediating genetic effects - for example, on the appearance of an individual. A problem with heritability estimates is the assumption that genetic and environmental effects can be added together, which ignores interactions between these factors. Genes may influence aggression by their effects on the peripheral and central nervous system and brain chemistry. A variety of neural and physiological factors, some of which may have a genetic component, have been associated with delinquent and criminal behaviour. Other genetic effects on behaviour may come about by changing the production and metabolism of hormones. Several studies have investigated whether there is a relationship between plasma testosterone levels and aggressive behaviour in adults.

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