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Stimulation Seeking Theory Paper

1165 Words5 Pages

Over the last century, scientific improvements have allowed humans to research further into biology and neuroscience than ever before. Biological processes have been found to be heritable; some of which may act as markers for certain types of behavior (Oritz & Raine, 2004). Extensive research has been conducted into which biological factors could cause antisocial behavior, including increased height, low serotonin levels, and low cortisol (Oritz & Raine, 2004). Biological markers of antisocial behavior such as these give insight into how genetics may play a role in predisposing children to conduct disorder (Oritz & Raine, 2004). Specifically, the autonomic measure lower resting heart rate may be one of the most important markers of antisocial …show more content…

Every individual has a level of stimulation at which they operate most efficiently and optimally (Raine, 2013). Stimulation seeking theory suggests that people with low heart rates are in an unpleasant physiological state, and display antisocial behavior in order to increase their levels of arousal to efficient levels (Oritz & Raine, 2004). It is no coincidence that heart rate levels are at their lowest during adolescence; a time when stimulation seeking and antisocial behavior are at their peek (Raine, …show more content…

Measuring low heart rate at as young as three years old can be an accurate predictor of antisocial behavior at a later age (Oritz & Raine, 2004). As many other biological markers can be used to predict a variety of disorders, low heart rate is solely related to antisocial behavior. Low heart rate is diagnostically specific and extremely cheap to access (Raine, 2013). Even though every child with a low heart rate will not become an offender, it could be probable to diagnose low heart rate individuals early on that already exhibit antisocial characteristics. Using low heart rate as a biomarker of antisocial behavior could allow for doctors to help steer antisocial at risk children towards social activities and away from antisocial activities to increase arousal levels (De Vries-Bouw et al., 2011). Stimulants could be introduced that increase heart rate to help certain low heart rate children deviate from antisocial activities, as ADHD pills have already begun doing. Finally, different intervention strategies could be used for antisocial children with higher heart rates that do not show a biological need for increased levels of arousal (De Vries-Bouw et al., 2011). Better predictability of antisocial behavior early in life could create better prevention and intervention strategies in the

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