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Biochemicalinfluences

What is it?

The Biochemical influence theorises that aggression can be influenced by certain chemicals within the body, both natural (i.e. hormones such as testosterone) and foreign chemicals (i.e. alcohol and drugs).

Underlying theories. If an individual is to ingest alcohol,

the chemicals entering the body will change the balance of natural chemicals that help to control aggression.

It is found that most criminals that have committed violent crimes (rape, murder and assault) have had a higher level of testosterone, compared to criminals who have committed non violent crimes (traffic offences, fraud and embezzlement) thus causing them to act more aggressively.

Studies and Investigations. Experiments have

also shown irrespective of species, when aggressive male animals are castrated (desexed), thus reducing their level of testosterone, the animal becomes more placid. However, after castration, if they are injected with testosterone, the animals tend to become aggressive again.

Criticisms'.

One of the criticisms' in relation to the high testosterone in violent criminals, is that not all criminals act impulsively with aggression because of an off-balance in chemicals. This meaning that not all criminals that committed violent crimes had high testosterone, and some criminals that committed non violent crimes had higher levels of testosterone despite the theory.