Abstract The paper examines whether Antisocial Personality Disorder is influenced more by Nature or by Nurture. The paper explains that it is necessary to first offer a brief definition of this disorder, for doing so will frame the discussion and provide a focus for analysis. The paper relates that as a chronic behavioral disorder, Antisocial Personality Disorder can be identified and diagnosed by determining whether behavioral and relationship patterns have been interfering with the subject's life over many years.
Abstract The paper discusses the antisocial personality disorder as an explanation for serial murder. The paper explores common traits shared by many serial killers, explains anti-social personality disorders and also looks at sociopathic serial killers.
From the Paper "The Case of the Serial Killer I. Introduction. Serial murder is criminal homicide that involves the killing of several victims by an offender in three or more separate events. (Schmalleger p) Experts estimate that serial killers commit about ? murders each year. Offender types can vary from apparent transients such as Henry Lee Lucas, to seemingly presentable college men like Ted Bundy. (Schmalleger p) Serial killers do tend to share certain traits."
Tags: serial killers, antisocial personality disorder
Abstract This paper presents a general overview and discussion of the psychological disorders known as Conduct Disorder and Antisocial Disorder. The paper presents definitions of both disorders and discusses several aspects associated with these disorders including diagnosis, prevalence, general etiology, risk factors, genetic and biological causes, symptoms of each disorder and need for interventions.
From the Paper "This research paper presents conduct disorder and antisocial disorder. Related to conduct disorder the following are discussed: definition, diagnosis, prevalence, general etiology and risk factors, genetic and biological causes and risk factors, disorder onset as a risk factor, familial and racial risk factors, childhood risk behaviors, developmental progression, course and consequences and assessment, treatment and forensic issues. Related to antisocial disorder the following are discussed: definition, diagnosis, prevalence, general etiology and risk factors, genetic and biological causes and risk factors..."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes discusses antisocial disorder, noting that it has received attention from psychologists and lay-persons alike. The writer discusses the diagnosis of antisocial personality disorders and then looks at factors that affect the development of such disorders. Further, the writer discusses possible treatments for these disorders and also looks at complications and difficulties regarding treatments.
Outline:
Antisocial Disorder
Diagnosing Personality Disorders
Factors Influencing Development of the Disorder
Complications to Treatment
Treatment Interventions
From the Paper "Everyone has a unique personality. Our personality is the result of genetic traits that we inherit from our parents, as well as the experiences that we have had in our lives. We are all subject to ups and downs at times, but for the most part, our basic personality remains the same. In order to be considered a personality disorder the pattern of behavior outside of the norm must be an enduring pattern that is inflexible and that does not change across differing situations. The pattern must be traced back to adolescence and early adulthood. The pattern cannot be the result of substance abuse or head trauma. In order to be diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder, the person in question must be over the age of 18."
Abstract This paper examines antisocial personality disorder (APD), describing it as a behavioral disorder indicated by actions that are blatantly destructive or actions that disregard the rights and feelings of others. The paper explains that people with APD generally appear to be charming, intelligent, and soft-spoken, belying the true brutality of which they?re capable. The paper aims to show that there are correlations between antisocial conduct in youths and adults who have APD. The paper outlines the two most effective methods of preventing APD - multidimensional treatment foster care and targeted interventions.
From the Paper "Almost everyone, at one point in his or her childhood, has squashed a bug, or thrown a rock at a bird. For most of us, that was nothing more than youthful friskiness. For some, however, bug squashing and rock-tossing leads to cat kicking and dog punching. And for some of us, these animal abuses are indicators for far more serious problems that emerge later in life. According to the DSM-IV, antisocial personality disorder (APD) describes a condition in which there are persistent patterns of behavior that are typified by disregard for the rights and feelings of others."
Abstract This paper examines the nature of antisocial personality disorder and its relation to genetic predisposition (nature) or environment (nurture). The paper discusses how the close links between these disorders and substance abuse seem to suggest that there is genetic influence, based on research that suggests that the tendency toward alcoholism is inherited. The paper explains the question that remains, however, about whether the tendency toward conduct disorder, and, later in life, the tendency toward antisocial personality disorder is genetic or whether it is caused by environmental factors, such as parenting styles or substance abuse.
From the Paper "A great deal of literature exists on antisocial personality disorder (APD). Much of the literature indicates that there is a correlation between substance abuse, primarily alcohol abuse and APD. Other literature indicates that conduct disorder preceded APD in a statistically significant portion of the diagnoses. One of these causes would seem to indicate that APD can be influenced by external factors, i.e., nurture. The other would suggest that APD is influenced by intrinsic factors, i.e., nature. Is there a definitive explanation for this disorder? Although there is no indication that conduct disorder occurs entirely by either genetic predisposition or by environmental influences, this writer is intrigued by the connection between this disorder, antisocial disorder and substance abuse."
Abstract This paper explores the causes of antisocial personality disorder, while also considering issues such as nature vs. nurture, its prevalence and characteristics, and comparing and contrasting Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD) with true psychopathology.
Outline:
Introduction
Definition and Causes
Nature vs. Nurture
The Nature Theory - Heredity
Considering Nurture - Environment and Experience:
Defining Madness
Confessions of a Son of Sam
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "The debate, however, increased due to an article that appeared in the magazine Life (1998), which addressed the issue in more nuanced terms. The article, which was entitled "Were You Born That Way?," rather than focusing on competitive notions of nature vs. nurture, discussed the implications of an inter-connected relationship. Based on some of the research already mentioned within this paper, the authors proposed that nature has a slight advantage over nurture in relation to the construction of human personality. The outcome was primarily based on twin studies, including both fraternal and identical twins, suggested that characteristics such as optimism, pessimism, happiness, assertiveness, career choice, extroversion, risk aversion, and so forth, are not only influenced by the person's surrounding environment, but also by the individual's genetic make-up. The main focus, therefore, is based on the theory that if genetics are not involved in determining personality traits, how can the fact that twins, even when reared apart, develop striking similarities."
Abstract This paper aims to show the distinct effect that Antisocial Personality Disorder has on criminality and violence, while explaining exactly what the condition involves. In addition, this paper distinguishes the disorder from the many psychiatric illnesses it is mistakenly associated with.The results of this paper show that criminality and violence are often correlated with APD and people suffering from this disorder more often than not break the law.
From the Paper "Many people believe that many serial killers and convicted murderers, due to mental illnesses, are unable to control their urges to kill people repeatedly for no apparent reason. However, many of these criminals are not crazy. Instead, they are simply brutal and cruel people, who know exactly what they are doing and choose not to control their urges.
These people often fall into one of three types-- antisocial personality disorder (APD), sociopath, or psychopath -- that are neither insane nor psychotic. Of these three types, APD is the most common, as it affects about four percent of the general population."
Abstract This paper studies the causes of Antisocial Personality Disorder and offers some potential treatments for the disease. The paper defines this illness as one who does not have a regard for other people's rights and therefore the sufferer faces conflict with society. The paper begins with explaining how this illness is recognized and diagnosed in the patient, usually beginning at the age of 15. The paper lists the treatments as including psychotherapy, cognitive therapy and group therapy, but admits that most often, people do not seek this therapy and it is forced upon them.
From the Paper "Treatment of the disorder is generally considered to be a difficult, if not an impossible task. One source reports that "effective treatment of antisocial behavior and personality is limited. Group psychotherapy can be helpful. If the person can develop a sense of trust, individual psychotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy can also be beneficial" (A.D.A.M). The difficulties that are encountered in regards to treatment are due to the nature of the disorder and the complications that arise."
An analysis of D. Center and D, Kemp's work, "Troubled Children Grown Up: Antisocial Behavior in Young Adult Criminals" as it relates to qualitative vs. quantitative approaches to theory in criminology.
Abstract This study involves an in-depth analysis of qualitative vs. quantitative approaches to theory in criminology. Specifically, the paper weighs the relative merits of qualitative vs. quantitative approaches to research design in criminology. The author assumes that a quantitative approach is more likely to yield useful results in the field and that researchers should focus their attention on quantitative based research practices. To carry out this goal the paper provides an in-depth analysis of Center & Kemp's work, "Troubled Children Grown Up: Antisocial Behavior in Young Adult Criminals."
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Hypothesis
Background/Rationale
Literature Review
Methodology
Statistical Analysis
Data Collection
Conclusions/Discussion
Recommendation
From the Paper "Center & Kemp use two-way ANOVA to evaluate the results of their research related to antisocial behavior in young adults. The data collect includes principal analysis employing fixed categorical variables defined as "official conviction offense and self-reported antisocial behavior on the NYS." The results of the study yielded a significant effect. The researchers compared the parolee sample with norms established for the survey instruments collected, using multiple t-tests to control for Type I errors. Significant differences were identified between the parolee group with norms, suggesting that personality traits and biological factors may impact young adults ability to integrate and demonstrate antisocial behaviors at a later date."
Abstract This paper discusses antisocial personality disorder, which refers to a chronic condition whereby people exhibit no concern for the rights of others. It describes the signs and symptoms of the disorder, as well as its possible causes. It then looks at risk factors associated with the disorder. Finally, the paper discusses diagnosis and assessment of the disorder, as well as treatment options.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Signs and Symptoms
Causes
Risk Factors
When to Seek Medical Advice
Screening and Diagnosis
Complications
Treatment
Prevention
Coping Skills
From the Paper "Psychotherapy enables people with antisocial personality disorder to develop needed interpersonal skills as well as a code of ethics. The problem with psychotherapy is that it is based in a strong therapist-patient relationship. Establishing such a relationship is a problem because the person is usually angry and emotionally unstable. They have problems with interpersonal skills and are impulsive. Group therapy is sometimes an option. When there is a high risk of self-harm or harm to others, people with antisocial personality disorder may be hospitalized so that they can be monitored at all times."
Abstract This paper examines the case of Richard Speck, a convicted murderer of eight women in the United State. At Speck's trial his attorney claimed that a new theory of behavioral causality with an identifiable chromosomal abnormality represented by the XYY configuration corresponded to specific behavioral traits that predisposed individuals to violent and antisocial behavior. The author of the paper examines evidence for and against this theory in the light of Speck's childhood, research and an autopsy performed on Speck's body after he died in 1991.
Outline:
Background and History
XYY Supermale Analysis
Social Biology Analysis
References
From the Paper "Critics of the XYY theory of criminal conduct suggest that even if XYY corresponds to higher statistical likelihood of certain types of antisocial behavior, it is not substantially different from other components of naturally evolved human behaviors. In other primate species, including those most closely related to homo sapiens, male dominance is expressed through patterns of behavior that would be considered, in human terms, criminal. According to that view, even XYY-based behavioral patterns still lie within the spectrum of normal human tendencies and that it is not particularly surprising that prisons house individuals who share behavioral traits consistent with criminal behavior (The Hastings Center 1980)."
Examines the effects on children of their witnessing domestic violence. Discussed are perceptual differences in relation to age, type of crime and the nature of witnessing.
Abstract This study examines for a connection between antisocial/criminal behavior, witnessing domestic violence, the current age of witness and the nature of the antisocial/criminal behavior committed in a sample of female inmates. The justification for such an examination is related to the fact that a good deal of the existing research on domestic violence indicates that children who witnessed domestic violence tend to be adults who engage in antisocial and/or criminal behavior.
From the Paper "In addition, most of the studies that investigate the effects of witnessing domestic violence make little or no distinctions between children who see other family members beaten but who are not beaten themselves, children who are beaten themselves and who also see other family members beaten, and children who are beaten themselves but do not see other family members physically abused. Thus, if the witnessing domestic violence-antisocial/criminal behavior relationship differs in terms of these three different categories of "witnessing" there has been no research to uncover this."
A discussion of risk factors for adolescents and the development of antisocial behavior and the role of school and family in the development of deviant and criminal behavior.
Abstract This paper discusses the impact of schools and family on future deviant or criminal behavior and discusses the proven correlation between negative school and family environments and future deviant or criminal behavior. It describes risk factors for adolescents and the development of antisocial behavior. The paper looks at the role of escape conditioning during family interactions in the development of aggressive and antisocial behavior and discusses the application of the social learning theory.
From the Paper "According to Williams (2000) Long Beach school officials found that in the year following implementation of the school uniform policy, overall school crime decreased thirty-six percent, fights decreased fifty-one percent, sex offenses decreased seventy-four percent, weapons offenses decreased fifty percent, assault and battery offenses decreased thirty-four percent, and vandalism decreased eighteen percent. Unexpectedly, fewer than one percent of the students have elected to opt out of the uniform policy."
"Some school systems have allowed students to decide whether to wear uniform clothing, but others have determined that a mandatory school uniform policy with no opt out provision is necessary to address a disruptive atmosphere. According to Cruz (2001) a Phoenix, Arizona school, for example, adopted a mandatory uniform policy requiring all of its students to wear school uniforms, or if they choose to defy the policy, attend another public school. Encouragingly, this Phoenix school uniform policy was recently upheld by a state trial court."
Abstract The paper relates that both nature and nurture contribute, albeit unequally, to individuals that indulge in sociopathic, criminal and antisocial behavior. The paper explores the research that shows how an individual can have a genetic predisposition to crime, where the combination of gene products and biological processes result in a lack of inhibition and results in impulsive and aggressive behavior. The paper then shows how an individual who is brought up in an environment where the opportunities are lacking will also exhibit antisocial behavior and criminal tendencies.
From the Paper "One of the major conundrums that societies have to face is to address the following issue: in the development of children and juveniles into productive members of society, which plays a more important role: nature or nurture? This debate will perhaps, never end. In the early part of the twentieth century, nature was supposed to win out. The execrable notion of eugenics, where criminals, homosexuals and some of society's misfits were sterilized so that they would not pollute the gene pool was popular. Some prominent people of the time subscribed to this idea and it was practiced in Europe for a while. After the 1950s, a new ideation came about: that children, at birth, were a blank slate or tabula rasa. (Pinker, 2002) This meant that children could be nurtured depending on their environments. One of the extreme cases of nurture over nature was when boys were raised as girls and vice-versa, with deleterious effects. This is because researchers realized that an instinctual component exists, which causes boys to be boys and they could not be raised otherwise."
