Developmental factors

• EVOLUTION

  > Human brain has evolved

  > Primitive brain structures such as brain stem are developed at birth; regulates bodily functions that are essential for survival

  > Amygdala develops early; child as sensitive of environmental threats

  > Pre frontal cortex doesn't mature until adolescence
• HORMONES

  > Embryos are exposed to different levels of testosterone

  > Shapes brain development leading to laterlisation of functions

  > Males engage in violent crime more than females

  > Dabbs study