DIET !
link between food & criminality?
↳ there IS a link between diet & aggressive behaviour - meaning we can use
diet to decrease crime
OMEGA 3
a family of fatty acids that are important for physical and psychological health
Gesch (2002) 🠖 studied 231 young male prisoners, half were given a daily
suppliment containing omega 3, the rest were given a placebo
prisoners assessed before & after with measures such as psychological testing,
reports of violent acts and disciplinary action
In the experimental group, there was a 35% reduction in disciplinary
action & a 37% drop in violent incidents
SEROTONIN
Virkunnen (1987) 🠖 found violent offenders had reduced levels of serotonin
this can be treated by a diet of rich foods that increase serotonin levels such as
fibres, salmon & tuna. Serotonin levels can also be increased with anti-
depressants.
EVALUATION
strengths: weaknesses:
Trial by Deakin uni in Aus: ~1/2 too expensive ➞ Public Health
of 67 ppts with poor diets were England suggests providing a
DIET ! 1
link between food & criminality?
↳ there IS a link between diet & aggressive behaviour - meaning we can use
diet to decrease crime
OMEGA 3
a family of fatty acids that are important for physical and psychological health
Gesch (2002) 🠖 studied 231 young male prisoners, half were given a daily
suppliment containing omega 3, the rest were given a placebo
prisoners assessed before & after with measures such as psychological testing,
reports of violent acts and disciplinary action
In the experimental group, there was a 35% reduction in disciplinary
action & a 37% drop in violent incidents
SEROTONIN
Virkunnen (1987) 🠖 found violent offenders had reduced levels of serotonin
this can be treated by a diet of rich foods that increase serotonin levels such as
fibres, salmon & tuna. Serotonin levels can also be increased with anti-
depressants.
EVALUATION
strengths: weaknesses:
Trial by Deakin uni in Aus: ~1/2 too expensive ➞ Public Health
of 67 ppts with poor diets were England suggests providing a
DIET ! 1
