Psychology

There has been a big controversy on whether deviant behaviors in individuals should be blamed on the brain. This is as a result of discovery of hormones and other neurochemicals that are associated with antisocial behaviors. The big controversy has resulted from the claims that adoption of these theories could give an excuse to criminals for their deviant behaviors. Some criminals may claim that their deviant behaviors are beyond their control and it is their nature to exhibit antisocial behaviors. Some of these theories disqualify the ability of human persons to use their cognitive abilities to determine what is right and what is wrong (Erickson, 2010). 

Hormones and Behavior
Recent neuroscience studies indicates that the brain play a major role in criminal behaviors. Neuroscience maintains that the brain is the agent of all behavior. However, the brain can not be blamed for criminal behaviors. The neurochemicals such as hormones can therefore not be blamed for antisocial behaviors. This is because many criminologists and sociologists are for the argument that human behaviors and personality should not be blamed on innumerable causes such as hormones (Deborah, 2002).

There are evidences that some individuals are criminals because of the concentration of hormones in their systems. A linkage between criminal acts and hormones such as testosterone and cortisol has been established. Testosterone is a male sex hormone which is responsible for the development of male physical traits while cortisol regulates the digestion of food. Studies indicate that high concentration of these hormones result into aggressive and violent behaviors. Many inmates in the federal prisons have been found to have higher concentration of these hormones (Henry, 2008).

Some hormonal states that lead to deviant behaviors have been associated with other antisocial behaviors. This includes anabolic steroid abuse which results in hormonal imbalance. High doses of anabolic steroids have been associated with aggressive and violent criminal acts such as robbery, vandalism, fighting and irritability. It has also been reported that secondary changes in the hormone balance have been observed in anabolic steroids abusers. The antisocial behaviors in these individuals should not be blamed on the hormones but on the individual (Bahrke, 2000).

In some cases, it may be reasonable to consider the influence of hormones on the behavior of individuals. Some people suffer from personality disorders which affects their relationships with other people, perceptions and how they react to different situations (Zanarini et al, 1998). This condition has been observed in some individual who continue exhibiting certain behaviors despite the negative consequences of their actions. It is not reasonable to blame such people for their antisocial behaviors rather psychotherapy should be recommended. The most common personality disorder is called the borderline personality disorder (Koerner  Linehan, 2000).

Although in some cases, the hormones can be blamed for antisocial behaviors, it should be noted that other factors such as the environment contributes to deviant behaviors. The family or the neighborhood in which an individual is brought up or lives can influence him or her to commit crimes. The hormones and the brain both play a role in the development of antisocial behaviors (Plomin et al, 1997).

Conclusion
What is to be blamed, the hormones, the nurture or the individual, for antisocial behaviors is a controversial issue. There is no doubt that many factors are responsible for antisocial behaviors. Though there are some exceptions, deviant behaviors should not be blamed on hormones since it can be used as an excuse to criminal acts.