Genes/adversity linked to crime in incarcerated sample

If our society cared enough about children to try to ensure that all children have a decent childhood, we would have less crime.

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-06/shsu-glt060314.php

PUBLIC RELEASE DATE: 4-Jun-2014
Contact: Beth Kuhles
Sam Houston State University
Genes/adversity linked to crime in incarcerated sample

HUNTSVILLE, TX (6/4/14) -- Researchers at Sam Houston State University have found a genetic characteristic that interacts with childhood adversity to predict higher rates of crime in an incarcerated sample.

The study is the first in a series that will examine contributions of genetic and environmental variations to criminal behavior. Published in Psychiatric Genetics, this study examines the role of monoamine oxidase A (MAOA), which has been linked to aggression, violence, and various types of childhood adversity in prior research. The study found MAOA genotype interacted with childhood adversity to predict self-reported criminal behavior and arrest rates for both property and violent crime.

"These findings indicate that gene-by-environment interactions are important for understanding variation in crime amongst populations with high base rates of criminal activity," said Todd Armstrong, principal investigator of the study.

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"It can help us understand the context and processes that link genes with criminal behavior and provide an avenue for understanding individual variation in the tendency to engage in crime."

In addition to unravelling the links among genes, childhood adversity and crime, the findings may help to develop better intervention programs for at-risk children in the future.

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