The Biology of Impulse: Understanding Crimes Without Gain
For my September 2nd Psychology Today post.
In a classic television scene, a psychologist asks a thief why he steals. The answer is simple: “Because I want them.” This encapsulates crimes for gain, but what about the behaviors that seem to make no sense? Why would an individual engage in a bar fight or an impulsive act of road rage that results in nothing but legal fees and a prison sentence?
In the first of a three-part series on the psychological influences on crime, we explore the phenomenon of “crimes without gain.” While much of our behavior is governed by the highly developed prefrontal neocortex—the area of the brain responsible for inhibiting inappropriate impulses—certain conditions can take these “neurological brakes” off-duty. Whether through the natural “fight-or-flight” response or physical trauma to the skull, the loss of prefrontal regulation can lead to a cycle of disinhibition.
By looking at historical figures like General George S. Patton and George Armstrong Custer, we can see how repeated head impacts may correlate with a dramatic decline in judgment and an increase in impulsive, self-destructive actions. Understanding these neurological correlations provides forensic psychologists with vital insights into the origins of impulsive behavior and its consequences in the criminal justice system.
I invite you to read the full essay to explore how the evolution of the human mind—and the physical vulnerabilities of the brain—shape our capacity for self-control.
