Biological Causes

• biological causes - hormones

  Hormones in our body affect our growth and also our brains. Men have higher levels of the hormone testosterone than women which often make them historically more aggressive and prone to higher risk taking. This aggression or risk taking could make them more likely to take part in violent crimes. For example, in 2022 around 96% of all prisoners in a Scottish prison are male compared to 4% who are female.
• biological causes - phsycopathy

  Someone with the mental disorder of

  Psychopathy are people who may seem like most of society but in fact often lack remorse or feel little empathy for others. This means they are less likely to feel guilt or regret for committing crimes so may be more likely to do so. For example, Aaron Campbell who killed 6 year old Alesha MacPhail on the island of Bute has been labelled a Psychopath by experts who have warned he should never be let out of prison.
• biological causes - genetics

  MAOA gene (warrior gene) has been found to have links to violence and aggression. If you have the MAOA gene or have the low-activity variant you are more likely to be predisposed to violence. About 30% of men have ‘the warrior gene’, but whether the gene is triggered or not depends crucially on what happens to you in childhood. Studies have found those with the gene are 13 times more likely to have a history of repeated violent behaviour.