Genetics

Genetics plays a significant role in the behavior that people are displaying; and the studies show that maltreated children may sometimes grow to develop antisocial behavior. It is, therefore, a powerful concern since children suffering from the maltreatment may end up as the delinquents and criminals in their society.

The studies on aggression and violence show that behavior is greatly influenced by genetics and heredity. MAO-A is a genetic variant that moderates the level of the effects of maltreating people. The high levels of MAO-A cause a lower probability of violence and aggression in human beings, while low levels of MAO-A cause the increased violence (Caspi et al., 2002). According to Bremner & Vermetten (2001), stress due to the maltreatment of a child causes the alteration in some neurotransmitter systems that persist through the adulthood and can cause the aggressive behavior.