Cognitive–affective factors underlying disinhibitory disorders and legal implications

Abstract

Disinhibited behaviours such as aggression, criminality and substance misuse are ubiquitous. In the USA, a violent crime occurs every 25 s, a non-violent crime every 4.1 s, an incidence of domestic violence every 3 s and substance misuse every 2.4 s. These behaviours are widespread, but more commonly exhibited by individuals with specific psychological problems, namely disorders characterized by disinhibition. Although individuals with disinhibitory disorders display similar behaviours, the underlying cognitive–affective factors are distinct and must be taken into account when developing scientifically informed interventions. In this Review, we provide a summary of key cognitive–affective factors associated with four disinhibitory disorders: substance use disorders, borderline personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder and psychopathy. We focus on these four disorders given their phenotypic overlap and because individuals with these disorders disproportionately find themselves ensnared in the legal system. We discuss the implications of integrating an understanding of cognitive–affective functioning for more successful interactions between individuals with these disorders and the police, courts and correctional facilities. To protect all members of society, we must consider how psychological science can have a greater role at various stages of legal intervention.