Physiological Measurement and Assessment

This chapter reviews current methods and findings of physiological research studies on persistent violence and aggression, antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), and psychopathy. The review begins by describing how ASPD and psychopathy, two clinical conditions that are commonly associated with violent and aggressive behaviors, are assessed and measured in contemporary investigative work. Following this, the chapter discusses differing physiological measurement methods that have been used in the study of these conditions and in relation to aggression and violent behavior more specifically. A detailed review of autonomic, somatic, electrocortical, and neuroimaging methods and findings is provided. Following this, the chapter provides coverage of key conceptual issues pertaining to the use of physiological measurement in assessing psychiatric phenotypes and psychological processes central to them. Directions for future research are discussed in this context. Keywords: aggression; antisocial personality disorder (ASPD); electroencephalography (EEG); functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI); psychopathy; psychophysiology