Relive shocking stories of brutal acts that will forever remain in our country’s history
There is no one who is not shocked by the barbaric crimes, which often steal the spotlight in the news in Brazil and around the world. Cruel killings, massacres and other forms of extreme violence are not just individual tragedies. But phenomena that can raise profound questions about human nature and the limits of cruelty. To understand what leads a person to commit such brutal acts, psychiatrist Danielle H. Admoni, researcher and supervisor at the Psychiatry Residency of the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), briefly underlines that there is no simple answer, but rather a combination of factors which can be biological, psychological and social.
The brain influences it originate the crimes
A central point for – to begin with – understanding the minds of those who commit such barbaric crimes is the structure and functioning of the brain. Neuroscientific studies indicate that the prefrontal cortex, the area responsible for decision making, inhibition and planning, often exhibits abnormalities in people who commit extreme violence. “These people tend to have less complete development in this area of the brain. This means they have less ability to inhibit impulses and control aggressive behavior,” explains Danielle. This dysfunction of the prefrontal cortex, in turn, impairs the regulation of emotions and the control of impulsivity, which leads to disproportionate and, often, violent reactions.
Additionally, in these individuals the amygdala, another brain region associated with emotions, may be overstimulated, intensifying feelings such as anger and aggression. “The amygdala, when overactivated, can lead to aggressive and extreme behavior,” says the expert. This combination of a less developed prefrontal cortex and an overstimulated amygdala creates fertile ground for acts of impulsive violence. However, the doctor warns that this neurobiological explanation is only part of the picture: “There is also a theory about a neurotransmitter imbalance, but it is not yet fully proven.”
The role of environment and experiences
While biology offers some clues to violent behavior, this is not the only explanation. According to Danielle, environmental and sociocultural factors have a significant impact on a person’s predisposition to violence. “The social and cultural environment in which a person grew up is fundamental. If he or she grew up in a violent environment, with a history of physical, moral or sexual abuse, this increases the likelihood of violent behavior in the future,” he emphasizes. Traumatic experiences, such as bullying or living with violent groups, can also negatively influence a person’s behavior, making them more susceptible to committing extreme acts.
The family
The psychiatrist also draws attention to the role of the family context. “Children who grow up in families where violence is normalized are more likely to engage in aggressive behavior in adulthood. Abuse, whether physical, emotional or sexual, leaves deep scars and can be a trigger for the development of disorders personality disorders, such as conduct disorders or antisocial disorder,” he explains.
Danielle also says that malnutrition and sleep deprivation are other factors that can influence violent behavior, affecting cognitive function and ability to control emotions. “Some studies suggest that malnutrition can lead to a decline in cognitive abilities and therefore affect impulse control. Lack of sleep also plays an important role, as it impairs the ability to make rational decisions and cope with stress.”
Another aggravating factor: the use of substances
Another determining factor that often appears in barbaric crimes is the use of psychoactive substances. “The use of drugs and alcohol can disinhibit a person and amplify impulsive behaviors. Under the influence of these substances, someone who would not normally act violently could end up committing a crime,” says the psychiatrist. Alcohol, for example, is a powerful disinhibitor that reduces barriers to self-control and increases impulsivity. “If you already have a tendency, even if small, to commit an aggressive act, drug or alcohol use can serve as a trigger for this to happen,” he points out.
The relationship between substances and violence is not just behavioral. From a physiological point of view, the chronic use of some drugs can alter the functioning of the brain, intensifying the characteristics that predispose to violence. “Prolonged exposure to psychoactive substances, such as alcohol and illicit drugs, can cause permanent changes in the brain, affecting areas related to impulse control and judgment,” notes Danielle.
Personality disorders and mental illnesses
Personality disorders, such as antisocial disorder, are also often associated with violent behavior. People who suffer from this disorder tend to have a lack of empathy and remorse, which makes it easier to carry out such cruel acts. However, it is important to distinguish between personality disorders and serious mental illnesses such as psychosis. While antisocial disorder is a lifelong pattern of behavior, psychosis can involve a temporary disconnection from reality that, in extreme cases, can result in violent acts. “Cases of violence committed by people in severe psychotic states are rare, but when they occur they usually involve a break with reality, such as delusions or hallucinations that lead the person to act in an extreme way,” underlines the psychiatrist.
Is there a violence gene for crimes?
Science has also studied whether there is a genetic predisposition to violent behavior. “Some studies suggest that certain genes may be linked to impulsive and aggressive behavior, but the gene alone is not enough to determine a person’s behavior,” says Danielle. He explains that even if a person has a genetic predisposition to violence, the environment in which he grew up and the experiences he has had throughout his life are fundamental in shaping his behavior. “The gene may be a factor, but it is the social and family environment that will determine whether or not this predisposition will manifest itself.”
The case of Elize Matsunaga, for example, involves a combination of many of these factors. In 2012, she killed and dismembered her husband, Marcos Matsunaga, in a crime that shocked the country with its brutality. Although she said she acted under intense emotional stress after discovering Marcos’ betrayal, the crime suggests that deep psychological and emotional factors were also at play.
Barbaric crimes can result from a combination of factors
As Danielle Admoni points out, human behavior is the result of a complex interaction between biology, psychology and the environment. “When we talk about barbaric crimes, we have to understand that each case is unique and involves a confluence of factors. It’s not just the brain, the environment or the use of substances, it’s the combination of all of these that, in certain circumstances, can lead a person to commit an extreme act.”
The psychiatrist concludes by underlining that, although science has made progress in understanding the factors that influence violence, there are still many gray areas on the subject. “We still have a lot to learn about what drives a person to commit barbaric crimes. We need more research, especially in neuroscience, to better understand how the brain works in situations of extreme stress and violence.”
Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
