Effect of Prefrontal Cortex Stimulation on Rule-Breaking Behaviors

• In Event: Neurocriminological Factors for Antisocial Behaviors and Their Implications

Abstract

Prior research has indicated that prefrontal cortical (PFC) stimulation may reduce aggressive and criminal behaviors. However, the effect of PFC stimulation on other forms of rule-breaking behaviors has been underexplored. This study uses a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled, experimental design to examine how PFC stimulation influences respondents’ perception of their likelihood of engaging in multiple rule-breaking behaviors, their perceived level of guilt/shame if engaged in these behaviors, and their perceived level of moral wrongfulness of each behavior. Preliminary analyses indicate inconsistent effects of PFC stimulation. Implications and future directions will be discussed.

Authors

• Jordyn O'Connell, California State University, Los Angeles

• Shichun Ling, California State University, Los Angeles

• Alexa Rodriguez-Cruz, California State University, Los Angeles