Challenges of preventing violence
Impressive advances in neuroscience and genetics provide valuable, new insights into human behavior, including violence.
An average human brain contains more than 85 billion neurons or nerve cells. Each of these neurons receives and transmits signals to numerous other neurons. The brain consists of specialized, interconnected centers. Different centers regulate vision, speech, memory, learning ability and emotions. A center does not function in isolation. Each center is linked to others. Chemical transmitters within our brains delicately regulate and coordinate the ongoing activities of the brain.
One center, the amygdala, processes fear and our
response to it. It also engages in decision-making. Normally, the amygdala communicates with various parts of our frontal lobes to determine how we will respond to complex, social situations. Think of the frontal lobes as our control tower. Our frontal lobes do not fully develop until our early 20s. Interruptions of the numerous connections to and within our frontal lobes can radically alter how we behave. Without oversight by the frontal lobes, the amygdala is likely to initiate violent responses to stresses within the immediate environment.
The brain’s connections can be analyzed in action by employing functional-brain scanning. A scan will detect which centers within the brain are activated when we are confronted by stress or when we solve problems. Faulty or absent connections with the frontal lobes characterize scans of brains of psychopathic individuals. Disrupted connections can be detected in a person who is using cocaine or suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder. Abnormal connections do not inevitably lead to violence. The science of neuro-imaging has not reached the stage wherein it can be routinely employed in the criminal-justice system to determine who might or might not be inclined to chronically violent behavior.
A gene located on the Y chromosome in men controls the production of an enzyme which, in turn, regulates the concentrations of two chemicals or neurotransmitters within the brain. If this gene is defective, the resulting imbalance of neurotransmitters often results in impulsive, aggressive behavior, impaired learning and a tendency toward addiction to alcohol and drugs. A second gene, CHD13, has been linked to drug addiction and hyperactivity. A study in Finland found a very high prevalence of both the defective gene and CHD13 in a population of extremely violent men.
Activity of neurons and genes is strongly affected by toxins and stresses within the environment. Exposure of a fetus to alcohol may result in a child with impaired learning and risky or violent behavior. Exposure of a child to lead can alter the actions of his or her neurons and genes toward a compromised intellect and aggressive behavior. Physical and emotional abuse will alter the function of neurons and genes. A supportive and loving environment can suppress the activity of abnormal genes and brain connections.
“Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst” by Robert M. Sapolsky provides a very readable, comprehensive guide to understanding why we act the way we do. All aspects of human behavior are addressed by the author in a most refreshing style.
Future research in neuroscience will yield more sensitive imaging, more effective therapy to address brain malfunction and more effective techniques for rehabilitating people who are prone to violent behavior.
In the meantime, we can most effectively prevent violence through unrelenting efforts to address poverty, malnutrition, environmental toxins, addictive drugs and poorly performing schools. These are the correctable stressors of our genes and our interconnected neurons.
For people who are incarcerated because of violent behavior, we can advocate for jails and prisons that include mental health professionals who can diagnose and initiate treatment for inmates who are mentally ill. Some inmates may need transfer to specialized treatment facilities for this purpose. We can insist that rehabilitation must accompany incarceration.
These practical and achievable goals will save lives while we await further scientific breakthroughs.