Biological Factors
Are some people more prone to violence?
Do genetics, heredity, hormones, or neurological development
have anything to do with domestic violence?
Do genetics, heredity, hormones, or neurological development
have anything to do with domestic violence?
The questions above are very important in the treatment of domestic abuse perpetrators. In the process to change the abusive cycle, it is important to understand all of the factors that contribute to the patterns of abuse, these include biological processes. There are many gaps in the literature concerning how biological factors influence behavior. However, many biological factors have been found that correlate with aggressive and violent behaviors. It is important to understand though that correlations do not necessarily denote a causal relationship. The correlations between biological factors and aggressive or violent behaviors simply mean that a relationship between them exists. Further studies will need to be conducted to further understand the relationships. Below are a few examples of such correlations.
These factors illustrate how aggressive and violent behaviors can be influenced through biological factors. The process of treatment and change can only occur if all factors are looked at, not just environmental factors. Knowing these biological factors will help researchers and therapists address how to effectively treat current domestic abuse perpetrators, assess for the likelihood of domestic abuse in relationships, and develop prevention strategies to combat aggressive and violent behaviors before they start.
The correlations listed above, however, are not meant to say that the perpetrators of domestic abuse are not responsible for their actions. Abusers are ultimately still responsible for the pain they cause, but there may be certain genetic and biological factors that make it easier for abusers to behave in such a manner. Knowledge about these factors and their influences can help treat abusers through interventions that develop an understanding of why they behave the way they do.
- Exposure to lead, such as through lead paint, during the development of the brain has been associated with higher violence rates.
- A mother smoking during pregnancy correlates positively with adolescent and adult criminal activity by her sons later in life.
- Although there are weak associations for specific genes to cause aggressive behaviors, adopted children do resemble the behavior of their biological parents more than their adoptive parents, which may imply a genetic predisposition towards certain behaviors. Thus, if one or both biological parents have a predisposition towards violent or abusive behaviors, the adopted child may as well.
- The aggressive nature of males relies heavily on the hormone testosterone. This hormone is found in greater amounts in males then females. High testosterone levels are associated with higher rates of aggressive behaviors and violence. Testosterone levels peak during young adulthood, which may be a reason for higher rates of domestic violence against younger women.
- People with low serotonin levels are associated with violent behaviors, and are also more likely to commit future violent actions.
These factors illustrate how aggressive and violent behaviors can be influenced through biological factors. The process of treatment and change can only occur if all factors are looked at, not just environmental factors. Knowing these biological factors will help researchers and therapists address how to effectively treat current domestic abuse perpetrators, assess for the likelihood of domestic abuse in relationships, and develop prevention strategies to combat aggressive and violent behaviors before they start.
The correlations listed above, however, are not meant to say that the perpetrators of domestic abuse are not responsible for their actions. Abusers are ultimately still responsible for the pain they cause, but there may be certain genetic and biological factors that make it easier for abusers to behave in such a manner. Knowledge about these factors and their influences can help treat abusers through interventions that develop an understanding of why they behave the way they do.
(Kalat, 2009)