Genética de la violencia humana

Abstract

In the last decade a great amount of progress has been made in the field of the neurobehavioural genetics of aggression and violence. To analyse and summarise the main genetic influences related with these behaviours in human beings. The importance of genetic factors in the variation of aggressive behaviour in children, teenagers and adults is highlighted. The genetic and environmental origins of stability in the development of aggressive behaviour are then discussed. The article concludes by reporting on several studies focused on the search for aggressiveness genes. Although considerable progress has been made in our understanding of the role played by genes in aggressive, violent and antisocial behaviour, as well as the interaction between genetic and environmental factors, today the exact mechanisms by which genetic factors contribute to these behaviours are still not fully understood. Genetic aspects probably influence biological factors, such as arousal, levels of hormones and neurotransmitters, among other things, which in turn have an effect on behaviour. Analysing and understanding each of these parameters is essential to gain a better understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying aggressive or violent behaviour. Moreover, other environmental factors such as abuse and response to stress exert an important effect on the expression of specific genes and, as a result, on people's aggressive behaviour.