According to a study from Wales, "Executive functioning (EF) deficits have been implicated in antisocial behavior. EF constitutes a broad selection of functions, and it is yet to be determined what specific aspects of EF are associated with antisocial behavior."

"This study examines IQ, EF, and related decision-making processes in young males involved with the criminal justice system and their age-matched male controls. The Risky Choice Task (RCT), the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), and tests taken from the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) assessing spatial working memory, planning, and set-shifting ability were administered. Young offenders showed lower estimated IQ scores and perseveration of responding, as indicated by performance on the WCST. There were also specific EF impairments, such as problems in working memory and planning (CANTAB). Finally, young offenders showed more risky decision-making than controls did, particularly after a small win. The results on the RCT suggest altered reward mechanisms in young offenders, whereas the findings also support the notion of EF difficulties related to dorsolateral and ventromedial prefrontal cortex functioning," wrote E.M. Syngelaki and colleagues, Cardiff University (see also Antisocial Behavior).

The researchers concluded: "The implications of these findings for interventions with young offenders are discussed."

Syngelaki and colleagues published the results of their research in Criminal Justice and Behavior (EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING AND RISKY DECISION MAKING IN YOUNG MALE OFFENDERS. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 2009;36(11):1213-1227).

For additional information, contact E.M. Syngelaki, Cardiff University, School Psychology, Cardiff CF10 3AT, S Glam, Wales.

The publisher of the journal Criminal Justice and Behavior can be contacted at: Sage Publications Inc., 2455 Teller Rd., Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA.