Beyond Correlations: Translating Biopsychosocial Research into Practical Applications for Antisocial Behavior Interventions

• In Event: Lightning Talk: What’s Wrong with Developmental and Biopsychosocial Criminology – And How Can We Put It Right?

Abstract

Biopsychosocial studies often describe ways in which biological factors relate to antisocial behavior (e.g., antisocial behavior is associated with low resting heart rate or reduced functioning in the prefrontal cortex), or the ways in which biological and social factors interact to predict antisocial behavior. Although these studies enhance our understanding, they often do not highlight how this information can be useful in reducing antisocial behavior. Biopsychosocial criminology should take the next steps to demonstrate how biological information can add value to existing real-world protocols. For example, are there reliable, easily measured biological factors (e.g., heart rate, skin conductance) that could be combined with other measurements (e.g., neuropsychological testing) to individualize intervention programs to improve their effectiveness? Are there some forms of treatment or intervention that are better able to improve biological indicators than others? This lightning talk will discuss potential real-world applications that could be tested, as well as whether incorporating the measurement of biological factors explains enough variance in outcomes to be cost-effective.

Author

• Andrea Glenn, University of Alabama