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Biological Theories and Criminal Behaviors
Racquel Walsh
Master of Social Work Walden University
SOCW 6135: Criminal Behavior
Dr. Monica Levine-Sauberman
January 03, 2022
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Biological Theories
The theory that individuals are born into this world with certain traits that can indicate or
predict are more likely to become a criminal was coined by Cesare Lombroso during the latter part of
the 19th century (Bretherick, 2019). Lombroso believed that certain physical traits that an individual may
have can put them in a category that classifies him/her of being either a savage or an atavist (Bretherick,
2019). Some of the physical traits described by Lombroso in his theory stated that having an face that is
expressive, manual dexterity, as well wandering small eyes can be associated with individuals who are
thieves, while on the other hand individuals who will become murders tend to have glassy cold stares,
eyes that are bloodshot red, and hawk like big noses (Bretherick, 2019). In his theory, Lombroso did not
describe physical traits/characteristics of male offenders, but he did describes physical
traits/characteristics of female offenders. Lombroso described female offenders as being shorter in
height, having skin that is more wrinkled, having darker hair and a smaller skull (Bretherick 2019).
The PEN model of personality was created by Hans Eysenck during the 1900’s. The purpose of
the PENS model of personality was to assist with describing certain personality traits that were believed
to be based on genetics according to Eysenck (Shatz, 2004). Neuroticism, psychoticism, and extraversion
are the three different parts that Eysenck’s PEN model theory is broken into. Individuals with
depression, anxiety, quilt, low self-esteem, and moodiness tend to have higher scores on the
neuroticism scale (Shatz, 2004). Whenever an individual lands a low score on lower end of the
neuroticism scale it is an indication that the individual is typically a calm and less reactive individual
(Shatz, 2004). Aggression, aloofness, egocentricness, impulsiveness, unempathicness, and tough
mindedness can be found in individuals who score high the psychoticism scale (Shatz, 2004). Whenever
an individual receives a low score on the psychoticism portion, that individual’s personality traits are
believe to be associated to them having the ability to be able to control his/her impulses as well as
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having the ability to conform (Shatz, 2004). There is a link between individuals who are more social,
more active, more lively, more assertive, and are more of a sensation seekers and scores high on the
extraversion scale (Shatz, 2004). Individuals who score low on the extraversion scale are tend to be
more quiet, more shy, and more passive individuals (Shatz, 2004).
The Evaluation of Theories
Since Eysenck and Lombroso’s theories were created, there have other theorists who have conducted
research with the goal of being able to determine whether or not there is any truth to Eysenck or
Lombroso’s theory in regards to being able to accurately predict what type of individual is more likely to
become a criminal and who is not likely. Present and current research expands on certain parts of
Eysenck and Lomroso’s theories. Brain abnormalities and brain injuries predictive indicators traits of
criminals (Bretherick, 2019). Neither of these two theories should be considered as being the only ways
to predict who will become a criminal based on certain traits and characteristics. Elwood believes that
there is a very high change that the characteristics Lombroso described in his theory are not true
indicators and predictors of criminal behavior(s), “crime is a matter of conduct, and conduct is a matter
of habit” (Elwood, 1912). I must say that I do agree with Elwood, I believe that an individual’s
environment and social influence can predict the likelihood that an individual will become a criminal or
engage in criminal activity more than biological factors can. The personality dimension was used a basis
in Eysenck’s PEN model theory to compare non-delinquent individuals and delinquent individual. The
factors mentioned in the PEN model theory can be associated with an individual’s central nervous
system, why which individuals who are classified as being delinquents are more likely to score higher on
(Van Dam, 2007). Individuals who are classified as and considered to be delinquents are likely to be way
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less sensitive to punishment versus individuals who are non-delinquents. The less sensitivity to
punishment can lead the individual to having poor judgment.
Conclusion
I find Eysenck and Lombroso’s theories to very interesting, however I do not believe that biological
cannot accurately predict the likelihood that an individual will become a criminal, at least not alone but
it’s self. I especially do not believe that physical characteristics like the ones described in Lombroso’s
theory can cause an individual to commit crimes or are indicators of who will become criminals. I do
believe that certain personality traits such as the ones mentioned in Eysenck theory along with certain
environmental factors and social influence have more influence on an individual’s likelihood of
becoming a criminal. Because society and things in the world is constantly changing and evolving, much
more research on the topic will always be needed. In my opinion, I do not think that there will ever be
enough research or studies that will ever be able to accurately predict the type of individuals who are
will become criminals or will engage in criminal activity for the simple fact that nothing in guaranteed
and also because things are always changing and evolving.
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References
Bretherick, D. (2019). The "Born Criminal"? Lombroso and The Origins
Of Modern Criminology.
Ellwood, Charles A. Journal of The American Institute of Criminal Law &
Criminology Volume 2 Issue 5.
Shatz, S. M. (2004). The Relationship Between Horney's Three Neurotic Types and
Eysenck's PEN Model of Personality. Personality & Individual Differences
Van Dam, Coleta; De Bruyn, Eric E. J.; Janssens, Jan M. A.
M. Adolescence. Winter 2007, Volume 42 Issue 168.
