Among the different theoretical explanations of deviance and criminality offered by Vold, Bernard and Snipes (2002)
Are theories that focus on the potential relationship between biological and/or psychological factors and criminality. Initially, it was believed by criminologists that that certain physiological or biological traits or genetic predispositions might be operational in deviant behavior; certain ôphysiological typesö were believed to be particularly likely to be deviant, but this theory has largely been abandoned. However, the idea that there are certain psychological factors û including but hardly limited to antisocial personality or borderline personality disorders, a tendency toward uncontrollable rage and anger, mental retardation leading to an inability to differentiate right from wrong, and so forth û that can be linked to deviant or criminal behaviors is more generally recognized as having some validity.
In this context, Egger (2002) commented on the fact that many serial killers or others who commit acts of homicidal violence are often found to be antisocial or incapable of controlling impulsive behaviors that can foster violence. Excessively aggressive children, one might argue are particularly at risk for becoming violent offenders later in late; children exposed to or victimized by violence may also become violent when reaching adulthood or adolescence. A combination of ônature and nurtureö or environment and heredity may be at work in such instances. Egger (2002) gives numerous examples of abused individuals who become abusive adults; from a personal perspective, I would also argue that the constant exposure of children and adults to violence (on television and in films, in certain types of music, and in culture as a whole) may create an environment in which violence and deviant behavior is tolerated and in some instances accepted.
In discussing biological influences on behavior, Degher ...