NCJ Number
72018
Journal
HUMAN GENETICS Volume: 32 Issue: 1 Dated: (April 15, 1976) Pages: 77-80
Date Published
1976
Length
4 pages
Annotation
A study of the Y-chromosomes of 50 male criminals and 50 controls indicates an equal frequency of the double Y-chromosome for both groups and no correlation between the size of the Y-chromosome and criminal behavior.
Abstract
Data derive from 50 male offenders committed to the prison psychiatric ward at Cadillac and from 50 randomly selected blood donors. The length of the Y-chromosome and of fluorescent segments are obtained directly by measuring each chromatid. Cytogenic examination of the two groups reveals no chromosomal anomalies. Furthermore, no correlation can be observed between psychiatric diagnoses and Y-chromosome length within the inmate group. Delinquents with somewhat longer Y-chromosomes tend to be involved more frequently in violent acts and murder. The findings offer no support for a connection between Y-chromosome size and specific types of mental illness. Tables and a 14-item bibliography are supplied. --in French.