Executive function and intelligence in the development of antisocial behavior

Abstract

This chapter clarifies how executive function and intelligence, as measured by performance-based tests, are thought to be related to criminal and antisocial behavior (CAB). Although not always at the forefront of criminological theories, the contribution of cognitive abilities related to individuals’ capacity to resist engaging into criminal behavior has been recognized since the nineteenth century. Our understanding has evolved since and consequently, we provide not only an account for low cognitive abilities being a risk for CAB, but also for good cognitive abilities being characteristic of CAB under certain conditions. We further outline a theoretical rationale for considering more carefully the developmental direction of the link, which is generally assumed to be one from cognition to behavior, and not necessarily the reverse or even reciprocal. Although some integrative theoretical models in developmental criminology include reciprocal relations among other risk or protective factors (for example, between bonding and modeling or constraints in Le Blanc’s (2005, An integrative personal control theory of deviant behavior: Answers to contemporary empirical and theoretical developmental criminology issues, Advances in Criminological Theory, Vol. 14, pp. 125—163) personal control theory), conceptualization of the contribution of biological or intellectual characteristics to the explanation of antisocial behavior has received much less attention and needs further development.