Full Description
This book shows how to use biopsychosocial assessment for crime prevention and to achieve more individualized treatment for those who commit crimes. Author Anthony Walsh, a prominent figure in biosocial criminology for more than four decades, examines the treatment policy recommendations of major criminological theories and how they might be improved by integrating relevant biopsychosocial insights. Walsh contends that sound crime prevention and treatment policies must be based on empirical evidence derived from theories about the causes of crime if they are to reduce incarceration rates. The biopsychosocial perspective improves on traditional theories by examining all putative causes of crime from the micro to the macro— from neurons to neighborhoods— and should thus improve prevention and treatment efforts.
The understanding of the genetic, neurobiological, and physiological components of antisocial behavior has improved exponentially over the past three decades. The relevant biological measures (e.g., genotyping, hormone assays, autonomic system arousal levels, resting heart rates) are routinely examined in university labs for research purposes. This book shows how measures of these components can be fruitfully integrated into the risk- need- responsivity model of offender treatment.
Offering a fresh perspective, this book is essential for both scholars and practitioners wishing to explore treatment modalities that consider the biological aspects of criminality.
Contents
PART I: Introduction to Crime Prevention and Treatment Policy
Chapter 1. What is Crime Prevention Policy?
PART II: The Biopsychosocial Perspective
Chapter 2. The Biopsychosocial Perspective and Behavioral Genetics
Chapter 3. Molecular Genetics and Antisocial Behavior
Chapter 4. Neurobiology and Antisocial Behavior
Chapter 5. The Social Emotions and Conscience
PART III: Traditional Criminology Theories and Prevention and Treatment Policies
Chapter 6. Human Ecology/Social Disorganization Theory and Policy
Chapter 7. The Anomie Tradition and Policy
Chapter 8. Subcultural Theories and Poverty
Chapter 9. Social Learning Theories
Chapter 10. Social and Self-Control Theories
PART IV: Specific Syndromes Associated with Criminal Behavior and Prevention and Treatment Policies
Chapter 11. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Causes and Treatment
Chapter 12. Schizophrenia: Causes and Treatment
Chapter 13. Substance Abuse Disorders and Criminal Behavior
Chapter 14. The Microenvironment: Teratogens and Diet
PART V: Traditional and Biopsychosocial Approaches to Assessment and Treatment
Chapter 15. Correctional Assessment and Treatment Programming
Chapter 16. Biopsychosocial Prevention and Treatment
