Neurobiological factors in aggressive and antisocial juveniles
A. Popma1, T. Doreleijers1, H. van Engeland2 and S. van Goozen3
1Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
2,Academic Hospital, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
3University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
In this study, various biological markers will be studied to observe the biological characteristics of antisocial and aggressive behavior in juveniles, as well as biological predispositions for such behavior. A total of 300 first offenders (males aged 12-13, all of whom participate in a diversion project) and 50 controls will be included in the study. Demographic, psychological and psychiatric data will be obtained from the subjects, and from their parents and teachers, by standard questionnaires and a structured psychiatric interview. The biological markers to be studied are: heart rate, skin conductance, cortisol and testosterone.
During one test session, the subjects will perform a preservation task (card play task), a passive avoidance task (go/no-go discrimination task) and a frustration task (tira task). During this session, heart rate and skin conductance will be registered using a VU-AMS device. Spread over the day and during the session, cortisol and testosterone levels will be measured from saliva samples.
Over a two-year follow-up period, developmental characteristics will be studied, focusing on aggression, antisocial behavior and any habitual relapse into crime. A pilot study began in Amsterdam in February 2002, and the first results are expected in July 2002. During our presentation, we will focus on the hypotheses, methods, first results and experiences using the VU-AMS device for measuring heart rate and skin conductance.
Paper presented at Measuring Behavior 2002 , 4th International Conference on Methods and Techniques in Behavioral Research, 27-30 August 2002, Amsterdam, The Netherlands