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1.4 - Neurological Theories

from Part I - Psychological Underpinnings

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 December 2021

By
Hope Kent ,
Huw Williams  and
James Tonks
Edited by
Jennifer M. Brown  and
Miranda A. H. Horvath
Jennifer M. Brown
Affiliation:
London School of Economics and Political Science
Miranda A. H. Horvath
Affiliation:
University of Suffolk
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Summary

Neurological theories of forensic psychology pertain to the brain development and neurological functioning underpinning behaviour. This chapter discusses the impact of insults to normal brain development and functioning (broadly termed neurodisabilities) on criminal and violent behaviour, including childhood trauma, abusive environments, acquired brain injury, and neurodevelopmental disorders. These neurodisabilities lead to psychological and emotional dysregulation, alongside behavioural, cognitive, and social difficulties. They constitute an underdiagnosed silent epidemic amongst populations in contact with the law, and when unaddressed are key factors in a revolving door justice system. They create a ‘melting pot’ of multiplicative neurodevelopmental risk factors which make people vulnerable to reactive and aggressive behaviour. Crime has huge social, human, and economic cost; and understanding this ‘melting pot’ of vulnerability is key to developing rehabilitative justice systems and reducing cycles of reoffending by screening and providing proper support for those with neurodisabilities.

Keywords

NeuropsychologyNeurodevelopmentDevelopmental TraumaViolent CrimeTBI
Type
Chapter
Information
The Cambridge Handbook of Forensic Psychology , pp. 69 - 87
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2021

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