Inhibition of impulsive responses as a predisposition to criminal behavior

Abstract

The research on the inhibition of impulsive responses as a predisposition to criminal behavior examines the relationship between the ability to inhibit impulsive responses and the tendency towards criminal behavior. This study addresses the inhibition of impulsive responses from various theoretical perspectives, including neurobiology and cognitive psychology. The research employs a quantitative systematic review of the literature, analyzing studies published since 2019, to provide a comprehensive view of this relationship and its implications for forensic psychology. Publications that show dysfunctions in brain areas related to inhibitory control, such as the prefrontal cortex, in individuals with antisocial or criminal behaviors are reviewed. Sixteen articles meeting the inclusion criteria that address this topic were identified. The findings highlight how deficiencies in inhibitory control can lead to increased impulsivity, risky decisions, and difficulties in adhering to social norms, factors that contribute to criminal behavior. Based on this review, the possibility of developing intervention proposals aimed at improving inhibitory control to reduce criminal behavior is suggested.