Unraveling the Neural Underpinnings of Antisocial Behavior and Deviance: Implications for Forensic Intervention and Legal Practices

In the field of forensic and legal psychology, understanding antisocial behavior, deviance, and aggression has traditionally been approached from psychological and sociological angles. However, recent advances in neuroscience and neuropsychology have unveiled deeper insights into the brain mechanisms driving these behaviors. These findings are pivotal when considering applications within the legal system, helping to delineate how variations in brain structure, neurochemical imbalances, and cognitive impairments may contribute to antisocial tendencies. Nonetheless, the challenge remains in integrating these insights into practical applications for forensic practice and legal proceedings—an area ripe for further investigation.

This Research Topic aims to delve into the neural correlates of antisocial behavior, examining the connections between various biological markers and deviance. We intend to critically analyze the role of cognitive deficits and impaired executive functioning in fostering antisocial tendencies. By identifying these key neural and cognitive markers, the goal is to enhance the capacity of legal professionals and forensic psychologists to predict recidivism risks and evaluate rehabilitation potential more accurately, ultimately leading to improved offender outcomes and informed judicial decisions.

To gather further insights in this interdisciplinary realm, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

Understanding the influence of brain structure and function on aggressive behaviors
The impact of neurochemical imbalances on deviance and antisocial conduct
Cognitive impairments and their links to antisocial tendencies
Evaluating neuropsychological interventions in reducing aggression and recidivism
Integrating neuroscientific findings into legal policy and rehabilitative practices

By integrating neuroscientific studies with psychological and social perspectives, this Research Topic will contribute to a more holistic understanding of antisocial behavior and aggression. Such knowledge is crucial for developing targeted interventions that can mitigate the societal and individual impacts of these types of behavior.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy Brief
• Registered Report
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: forensic neuropsychology, antisocial behavior, deviance, aggression

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.