Numerous studies have examined varied facets of nutrition and crime separately. However, there is limited literature on the impact that nutritional value has on behavior and crime. The mechanisms essential to determine the link between nutrition and behavior have not been fully established (Ling, Umbach & Raine, 2019). Even though there is no clear and substantive theory addressing the subject, some findings from credible studies have provided clues on the possibility of diet having a significant effect on people’s behavior. Some epidemiological studies have shown that historically, significant transformations have taken place in dietary patterns, particularly in the current industrialized and technological world (Ling, Umbach & Raine, 2019). The nutritional changes that have taken place have led to inadequate nutrient intake compared to the past. There is also evidence showing that the rate of uncouth behavior has increased compared to the past. This explanation is an insinuation that there is a possible link between diet intake and behavior exhibited. Many people consume food to attain social pleasure (Ling, Umbach & Raine, 2019). It is sad noting that many offenders in correctional facilities consume less healthy diets that lack the required nutritional value. This paper takes an in-depth examination of the effects of nutrition on behavior, particularly among criminals.
The notion that diet affects behavior has been there for quite a long time. The early nineteenth century saw many prisoners being punished through hard labor and reduced diets. Still, the typical criminal justice system assumes that an individual’s behavior is exclusively an issue of free will (Ling, Umbach & Raine, 2019). This assumption is only beneficial when making the complex decisions of sentencing offenders. However, it does not address the actual problem. This classic criminal justice model fails to consider that free will cannot be conditioned without including the brain. The brain is exclusively the organ that is responsible for an individual’s behavior. However, since it is a physical organ, it does not work appropriately without having certain vital elements essential for its proper functioning (Choy, Focquaert & Raine 2020). Gesch (2013) confirms that the brain can only function when it is supplied with adequate nutrients. In their study, the researchers claim that it is vital that nutrition is considered when training criminals on how to lead a better life after their sentence. In line with this, prison facilities ought to provide inmates with balanced meals with sufficient nutrients. Often, antisocial and other inappropriate behavior forms are depicted in prisons more than within the general population (Choy, Focquaert & Raine 2020). Because offenders in prisons consume meals with less nutrition value, an assumption can be drawn that the lack of sufficient and appropriate nutrition in correctional facilities is a significant cause of elevated levels of destructive behaviors among prisoners (Ling Umbach & Raine 2019).
Cortie et al. (2020) note that more than half of the food items accessible by correctional facilities in the United States and the United Kingdom are not healthy. The majority of these food items have excessive fats and sugar ingredients. Moreover, food that is provided to prisoners has often been described as unsavory and scant. However, this should not be the case since denying prisoners proper meals is not a corrective intervention package (Choy, Focquaert & Raine 2020). Since prisons and other forms of correctional facilities are intended to be a learning environment, prisoners must be served with healthy diet. According to a study conducted by Gesch (2013), poor nutrition can affect an individual’s concentration and learning, resulting in aggressive and violent episodes. In prisons, poor nutrition can lead to heightened levels of mental and physical health challenges. The study also shows that poor nutrition has more adverse effects on offenders compared to the general population.
The nutritional value consumed can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, including prisoners. Gesch (2013) asserts that taking sugary and highly processed foods contributes to unexpected highs and lows glucose levels within an individual’s blood. Consequently, it leads to side effects such as insomnia, fatigue, irritability, and dizziness. It is a risk factor for mental illnesses such as depression, especially among men in worst scenarios. Findings from the study note that rich diets I whole foods can provide people with protection against depression.
Several studies that have examined the connection between nutrition and offending behaviors have concluded a direct link between the two variables. Choy, Focquaert & Raine (2020) note that paucities in essential nutrients such as minerals and vitamins can lead to several challenges and side effects which affect an individual’s behavior. For instance, when a person’s diet is marked with substandard iron and zinc levels, they are likely to experience high degrees of anxiety and low concentration and tend to be moody. Due to poor concentration, such people often have attention deficits and lack healthy sleep (Choy, Focquaert & Raine 2020). A nutrient such as Omega 3 is essential for the development of cognitive functioning. Therefore, lack of this particular nutrient can lead to increased risks for developing neurodevelopmental disorders, depressive, and aggressive behaviors (Choy, Focquaert & Raine 2020).
From the study presented, it is apparent that nutrition has a significant impact on offenders’ behavior. Therefore, it is imperative that correctional facilities take the initiative of providing inmates with appropriate diets containing the required nutrients for brain development. There are high chances that prisoners will have better health through proper nutrition, but their learning and development will also be enhanced. This will help correctional facilities and the entire criminal justice system attain its primary objective: restoring order and training offenders to be upright society members. Since there is limited research on the impact that nutrition has on crime and behavior, researchers must take the initiative of conducting more studies on the subject. Future studies can examine how diet and nutrition affect an individual’s behavior both in the short term and long term. Also, research can be conducted on the specific nutrients that have more effect on peoples’ behavior.
The current study is of great significance in assessing the impact nutrition has on crime, mainly how food affects people leading them to commit a crime or exhibit antisocial behaviors. Previous studies have not done actual experiments to examine the effects of diet on behavior among inmates. Therefore, while conducting this study, I will work with a local jail reintry program in town M.A.D.E, whereby I will be formatting nutritional meal plans for them. Data gathered from this practice will provide relevant literature for evaluating the relationship between nutrition and behavior. Future researchers can also employ the data as literature to support their hypothesis on matters about nutrition’s impact on criminal offenders’ actions.
References
Choy, O., Focquaert, F., & Raine, A. (2020). Benign biological interventions to reduce offending. Neuroethics, 13(1), 29-41.
Cortie, C. H., Byrne, M. K., Collier, C., Parletta, N., Crawford, D., Winberg, P. C., … & Batterham, M. (2020). The effect of dietary supplementation on aggressive behaviour in Australian adult male prisoners: a feasibility and pilot study for a randomised, double blind placebo controlled trial. Nutrients, 12(9), 2617.
Gesch, B. (2013). Adolescence: Does good nutrition= good behaviour?. Nutrition and health, 22(1), 55-65.
Ling, S., Umbach, R., & Raine, A. (2019). Biological explanations of criminal behavior. Psychology, Crime & Law, 25(6), 626-640.
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