There are More than Two Sides to Antisocial Behavior: The Inextricable Link between Hemispheric Specialization and Environment

Abstract

Human functions and traits are linked to cerebral networks serving different emotional and cognitive control systems, some of which rely on hemispheric specialization and integration to promote adaptive goal-directed behavior. Among the neural systems discussed in this context are those underlying pro- and antisocial behaviors. The diverse functions and traits governing our social behavior have been associated with lateralized neural activity. However, as with other complex behaviors, specific hemispheric roles are difficult to elucidate. This is due largely to environmental and contextual influences, which interact with neural substrates in the development and expression of pro and antisocial functions. This paper will discuss the reciprocal ties between environmental factors and hemispheric functioning in the context of social behavior. Rather than an exhaustive review, the paper will attempt to familiarize readers with the prominent literature and primary questions to encourage further research and in-depth discussion in this field.

Brief report: Free-living physical activity levels and cognitive control in multi-problem young adults

“…It may be that the current recommendations are too stringent to distinguish between active and non-active young adults and thus it may still be relevant for future studies to examine if increased physical activity could lead to increased cognitive control in multi-problem young adults. Lastly, it may be possible that other non-accounted for factors mediate or moderate the association between physical activity and cognitive control, such as structural brain abnormalities (Leshem, 2020) and maturation rate of the prefrontal cortex (PFC), an area important for cognitive control (Dahl, 2004;Veroude et al, 2013). Future studies should try to replicate these results, taking our current limitations into consideration.…”

Internal and External Crime Hot Spots: From Neural to Micro-Geographical Networks

“…Within the neurobiological framework, it has been proposed that different forms of antisocial tendencies and behaviours are products of reciprocal interactions between and within the frontal lobes and subcortical regions (Fumagalli and Priori 2012; Leshem 2020). In particular, different cognitive components of pro-sociality and socialization, such as self-regulation, impulse control, empathy and moral reasoning, are largely associated with the PFC (Koenigs 2012; Korponay et al 2017; Raine 2008; Yang and Raine 2009).…”

“…The search for neurobiological correlates of antisocial behaviours, such as violence, addiction and crime, includes ongoing investigation into key brain areas underlying cognitive and socio-emotional functions, consisting of the frontal cortex, prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the limbic system (Abe 2020; Raine 2019; Raine and Yang 2006). However, as with other complex behaviours, neurobiological determinants are difficult to elucidate, presumably due, in large part, to environmental influences, which interact with neural substrates in the development and expression of pro- and antisocial functions (Cupaioli et al 2021; Decety and Holvoet 2021; Leshem 2020).…”

“…A significant body of work shows that antisocial traits and behaviour are a reflection of both environmental experiences and innate factors that make an impact on the brain’s ability to adapt to changing environmental demands (i.e. its neuroplasticity) (Burt 2022; DeLisi and Vaughn 2014; Leshem 2020; Wei, Talwar, and Lin 2021).…”

Special Issue of Symmetry: “Biological Psychology: Brain Asymmetry and Behavioral Brain”

“…Nine papers [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] were selected for publication: two literature reviews [7,9] and eight empirical studies [6,8,[10][11][12][13][14]. The articles were prepared by neuroscientists working in leading universities and research centers in Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, the USA, and Russia.…”