A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Biological Explanations of Criminal Behavior: Genetic, Neurobiological, and Psychophysiological Correlates of Criminality

Abstract

Criminal behavior has increasingly been examined through biological perspectives that integrate genetic predispositions, neurobiological abnormalities, and psychophysiological functioning. Despite long-standing debates regarding nature versus nurture, contemporary biosocial criminology suggests that biological factors interact with environmental conditions to shape antisocial and criminal outcomes. This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to synthesize global empirical evidence on genetic, neurobiological, and psychophysiological correlates of criminal behavior. Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search of peer-reviewed literature identified 14 key studies spanning behavioral genetics, neuroimaging, and physiological research in criminology and forensic psychology. The final dataset included twin and adoption studies, neuroimaging investigations of antisocial populations, and psychophysiological assessments of arousal, fear conditioning, and autonomic functioning. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed using a standardized coding framework. Effect sizes were synthesized using a random-effects model to account for heterogeneity across populations, methodologies, and geographic contexts. Findings indicate consistent biological associations with criminal behavior across domains. Genetic influences demonstrated moderate to high heritability estimates for antisocial and criminal behavior traits. Neuroimaging studies revealed structural and functional abnormalities in the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and related limbic structures in violent offenders and individuals with psychopathic traits. Psychophysiological evidence indicated reduced resting heart rate, lower autonomic arousal, and diminished fear conditioning among individuals exhibiting antisocial behavior. Overall, results support a biosocial model of criminality in which biological predispositions contribute to vulnerability for antisocial behavior, particularly when combined with adverse environmental conditions. However, substantial heterogeneity and methodological variation across studies highlight limitations in causal interpretation. The findings underscore the importance of integrating biological, psychological, and social frameworks in criminological theory and policy development.

KEYWORDS: criminal behavior; biosocial criminology; genetics; neurobiology; psychophysiology; antisocial behavior; meta-analysis; systematic review

DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/16-2-05

Publication date: July 31^st 2026