Criminal Psychology

Criminology is the study of crimes and criminals as to know about crimes we need to know the factors affecting it too. According to Webster, “It is the scientific study of crime as a social phenomena or criminals and their mental traits, habits, discipline etc.” It is the science of criminal behaviour. Now, What leads to criminal activity in society? Is it a nature or nurture? Certain factors of causation of crimes are Poverty, Peer Pressure, Drug abuse, Politics, Religion differences, Unemployment, Unfair Justice System etc. But there are two main factors affecting criminal behaviour in society :-Environmental Factor :- It means the kind of people with whom he or she is surrounded with. It may include abused childhood, alcoholic parents, bullying in schools and colleges, use of abusive language, stress, domestic violence, Drug or substance abuse, traumatisation and harassment. Biological Factor :- Is someone born to be a criminal ? Dr Adrian Raine conducted a research upon violent criminals and wrote a book “Anatomy of Violence”. When a woman consumes alcohol or substance abuse during her pregnancy, it will affect the mind of an unborn child, there will be hormonal imbalance or syndrome and the brain will not develop completely. The “Pre-Frontal Cortex” is a Guardian Angel of behaviour. Criminals who have poor functioning of pre-frontal cortex, they commit crimes in a fit of rage. Criminals who have high functioning of pre-frontal cortex, they commit crimes with methodical process.The “Amygdala” is a Seat of Emotions. It control emotions such as empathy , remorse , conscience etc. Brain scans revealed that psychopathy in criminals was associated with poor connectivity between weak Amygdala and strong pre-frontal cortex. Some criminals have low resting heart-rate due to which, they have lack of fear while committing a crime.Therefore, the causes of psychopathy remains a mystery.