Behavioral genetics is a relatively new field of study attempting to make sense of both
genetic and environmental contributions to individual variations in human behavior. Genes can be turned on and off. Multiple genes are factors in forming behavior traits.
Aggression in abused boys Researchers believe there is a genetic link to impulsive aggression through the impact of a gene on the production of an
enzyme called
Monoamine oxidase A (MAOA). The MAOA gene reduces the production of MAOA, leading to increased incidents of impulsive aggression. A 26-year study in
New Zealand found strong correlation between experience of
childhood abuse and criminal or violent behavior in males with the MAOA gene. In that study, impulsive aggression was found to be nine times more likely to manifest in males with the gene who were
abused than in abused males without the gene or males with the gene who had not been abused. ==See also==