Citation

Moffitt TE. Crime Justice 1990; 12: 99-169.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1990, University of Chicago Press)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Research on the performance of delinquent juveniles on neuropsychological tests suggests a role for brain dysfunction in the causation of antisocial behavior. Neuropsychological tests measure constructs representative of the various mental functions of the human brain, such as language, memory, or social judgment. Poor test scores suggest compromised brain function. Because the brain is the organ we use to perceive and respond to our environment, the relations of neuropsychological factors to delinquent behavior are expressed as interactions with social and environmental influences. Most studies of the neuropsychological status of delinquents suffer from notable methodological problems. Consistent findings of delinquency-related deficits, particularly in verbal and "executive" (self-control) functions, have nonetheless been reported by many studies, including those with the strongest designs. Neuropsychological variables predict variance in delinquent behavior independent of appropriate control variables.