Mednick's biosocial theory proposes that some individuals are biologically predisposed to have an autonomic nervous system that does not respond strongly to environmental cues. This results in a tendency toward low arousal and stimulation. According to the theory, these individuals are then more likely to engage in antisocial behaviors either due to a lack of fear (fearlessness theory) or a drive to seek stimulation. The theory links deficits in the autonomic nervous system to impairments in the central nervous system that can affect personality and criminal tendencies.

1. Mednick’s
Biosocial Theory
Courtney Robinson
Criminal Justice 4411-02
November 25, 2012

2. Definition
 Mednick’s Biosocial Theory:
 Establishes that certain individuals are predisposed
to have an ANS (autonomic nervous system) that
does not respond to environmental cues
 This results in slow stimulation therefore the
susceptible individuals are more likely to display
antisocial behavior
 The theory was formulated to discover why criminal
fail to learn for their mistakes Low autonomic nervous
system
Increase in antisocial
behaviors

3. Biosocial Theory
 Mednick’s Theory:
 Emphasizes normal ANS  less likely to experience fear  inhibiting antisocial
behaviors (positive reinforcement)
 Slow and/or deficits in ANS  heightens fear  increasing antisocial
behaviors and normal functioning fails to mature (negative reinforcement)
 Deficits in the ANS lead to impairments in the Central Nervous System
affecting personality and arousal

4. Autonomic Nervous System
Impairments in ANS Normal ANS
HypoarousalFearlessness HyperarousalStimulation Avoidance of Antisocial
Theory Theory Behavior

5. Deficits in ANS
 Individuals with impaired ANS maintain hypoarousal
which is controlled by the ANS
 Hypoarousal-assessed by low pulse, low blood pressure, and decrease skin
conduction
 Individuals with low stimulation to environmental illustrate
lower arousal to stimuli than individuals with normal ANS
functioning
 Fearlessness theory indicates people with low levels for
stimulation are less likely to avoid trouble with the legal
system
 Whereas other individuals with ANS impairments maintain
hyperarousal resulting in stimulation theory
 Stimulation theory illustrates individuals with low arousal to environmental cues
lead to disagreeable mental state so they look for trouble to for excitement

6. Results
 Researchers have found deficits in Mednick’s theory
but acknowledge biological factors play a role in
criminal activity
 Particularly dopamine levels and heart rate affect individuals inclination
toward crime
 Low arousal levels and brain development affect
the CNS and ANS which determines whether
individuals susceptibility to engage in criminal
activity because of biological factors

7. References
• Lilly, J. R., Cullen, F. T. & Ball, R. A. (2011).
Criminological theory: Context and consequences
(5th Ed.). Washington D.C: Sage Publications