Genetic influences on being processed through the criminal justice system: Results from a sample of adoptees

Abstract

Background: Behavioral genetic research has revealed that antisocial phenotypes are under genetic influence. This study examines whether genetic factors also affect the odds of being processed through the criminal justice system. Methods: A sample of adoptees (n = 191257) drawn from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health was analyzed. They self-reported on whether they had ever been arrested, sentenced to probation, incarcerated, and arrested multiple times. Assessments were also conducted of the criminal status of their biological parents. Results: Adoptees who have a biological father or a biological mother who have been arrested previously are significantly more likely to be arrested, sentenced to probation, incarcerated, and arrested multiple times when compared with adoptees whose biological parents have not been arrested. Conclusions: Adoptees who are genetically predisposed to antisocial phenotypes are at risk for being formally processed through the criminal justice system. © 2011 Society of Biological Psychiatry.