Role of Biology in Behavior (a primer)

Simplified synopsis;

In the legal process the desired "Behavior" in the above diagram is effective and powerful witness testimony that advances your position. The external details will vary greatly from case to case, but the process that happens internally with in your witness is the always the same as above.

Everything that happens in the brain is the result of neurotransmitters, hormones and electrical currents.  Whereas a computer uses magnetic storage for all its code, the brain use bio-chemicals instead. Thus all thought and even human logic is a bio-chemical process. These neurochemicals are custom created on demand and if the process goes well all will be consistent each time.  However under stress, alcohol, caffeine, trauma or any other internal (brain) or external (situational) conditions this chemical process can easily get disrupted or hijacked resulting in different memories being created or short circuited and improperly recalled. Thus even the same chemical "thought" being released under different biological condition (anger, fear, alcohol, stress...) will co-mingle with that "thought" and create a new chemical and result in a different behavioral outcome than before.

Logic decides what words you would like used, however behavior dictates how those words are delivered. Words are easy to change. You think about your opening and closing arguments at length and edit them extensively before you deliver them. You can rewrite a script easily at any time, but to change behavior that drives the delivery of those words, that requires a change in the internal biology of the being. A more complex process with multiple variables.

Important point here is your clients baseline biology and behaviors existed  before, during and after their legal "incident" occurred. In fact they may be contributory or directly causal to their incident.  Unless you take proactive action to change these behavioral influences they will be present when your client takes the stand.  Many of these are hidden from clients awareness or perception ergo may be pinged unknowingly during testimony.  Simply adjusting their talking points won't change their behavior in the least.

​A Practical Example

Consider a highly adversarial proceeding where both parties have some level of intimate knowledge of the others psyche. If one person wears a specific piece of clothing, jewelry or perfume that carries a particular memory with it, they will ping that emotion in the other person thus biasing the neurochemistry in the direction they desire. Thus they have now altered the other clients behavior. All of it outside of your external control.

That "Modifier" has just altered the  baseline "Situation"  that you prepared your client for in your prep sessions.  If that modifier is intentionally coming from your clients Blind Spot (known to adversary, but not witness) then you have opposition actively using this knowledge against you.  If it comes from "Unknown" (not known to anyone, including witness)  then you both have a wild card to play out with totally unexpected results.

This is where comprehensive multi-factorial approach to witness prep comes in.  With proper stabilization of witness these scenarios can be approximated, planned for and inoculated against to remove the negative impact from the courtroom. Thus your witness remains calm, and confident under cross and in fact will probably gain the upper hand on opposition when their attempt backfires.

​A more detailed (but still extremely simplified) overview;

Biology lays the foundation for how we think, feel, and act. It provides the physiological mechanisms that underlie cognitive processes, emotional experiences, and behavioral responses. However, it's important to note that biology doesn't work in isolation; it interacts with environmental, psychological, and social factors to shape overall behavior.

Here are some key biological processes that play a role in shaping human behavior:

1. Neurotransmission and Brain Activity

• Neurotransmitters are chemicals that transmit signals between neurons in the brain. These chemicals influence mood, thought patterns, and behavior. There are over 100 specific neurotransmitters identified thus far, the most commonly discussed ones are -

  • Dopamine: Often associated with the brain's reward system, dopamine plays a role in motivation, pleasure, and reinforcement learning.

  • Serotonin: Regulates mood, sleep, and appetite. Low levels of serotonin have been linked to depression and anxiety.

  • Norepinephrine: Involved in the body's fight-or-flight response and affects arousal, alertness, and concentration.

  • GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid): The primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, which calms nervous activity and helps to regulate anxiety.

  • Glutamate: The primary excitatory neurotransmitter, critical for learning, memory, and synaptic plasticity.

The brain's structure and activity also greatly influence behavior. Regions like the prefrontal cortex (involved in decision-making, impulse control, and social behavior), limbic system (emotion regulation), and amygdala (emotion processing and fear) all contribute to how we behave. Thus no two people, even identical twins, exposed to the exact same situation or stimuli will encode the same memories and behaviors.  Ergo cookie cutter prep won't work in high risk cases.

2. Hormonal Influence

Hormones are chemicals produced by glands that regulate various processes in the body, including growth, metabolism, and mood. Certain hormones can have a direct effect on behavior:

• Cortisol: Often referred to as the stress hormone, cortisol is released during stressful situations and can affect mood, cognition, and behavior. Chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels can contribute to anxiety, depression and memory issues.

• Oxytocin: Known as the "love hormone," oxytocin plays a role in bonding, social interaction, and emotional regulation. It is especially important during childbirth and breastfeeding but also influences romantic relationships and trust.

• Testosterone: Primarily known for its role in male development, testosterone also influences aggression, dominance, and risk-taking behavior in both males and females.

• Estrogen: Involved in mood regulation, particularly in women, estrogen affects emotional stability and is linked to conditions like premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and postpartum depression.

3. Genetics and Epigenetics

• Genetics plays a significant role in determining predispositions toward certain behaviors. Research suggests that genetics can influence traits like temperament, intelligence, and even susceptibility to mental health disorders like schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder.

• Epigenetics refers to changes in gene expression that are influenced by environmental factors and life experiences. These changes can affect behavior and even be passed on to future generations. For example, stress or trauma can trigger epigenetic changes that influence how a person responds to stress or forms relationships.

4. The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

The ANS regulates involuntary bodily functions like heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate. It consists of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), which is responsible for the "fight or flight" response, and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), which helps the body relax and return to a state of calm after stress.

• Sympathetic Activation: When under stress or in a threatening situation, the sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for action by increasing heart rate, releasing adrenaline, and dilating pupils.

• Parasympathetic Activation: After the stressor passes, the parasympathetic system works to calm the body down, lowering heart rate and promoting rest.

5. The Role of Genetics and Environment

Both nature (genetics) and nurture (environment) contribute to human behavior. For example, genetic predispositions may make someone more prone to anxiety, but environmental factors such as upbringing, life experiences, and societal influences can exacerbate or mitigate these tendencies.

Additionally, social learning theory suggests that behavior can be learned through observing others, a process regulated by both biological and environmental factors.

6. Sleep and Circadian Rhythms

Sleep is essential for brain function, mood regulation, and overall well-being. Disruptions in sleep patterns or poor sleep quality can lead to behavioral changes, including irritability, poor decision-making, and increased susceptibility to stress.

• Circadian rhythms are internal biological clocks that regulate sleep-wake cycles and other physiological processes. Disruptions to these rhythms (such as shift work or jet lag) can lead to mood disorders and cognitive impairment.

7. Neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to reorganize and form new neural connections in response to learning, experiences, and environmental changes. This process allows for adaptation and recovery following injury, but it also means that patterns of behavior can change over time based on experience. For instance, repeated experiences of fear can rewire the brain in ways that make future fear responses stronger.

8. The Reward System

The brain's reward system, particularly involving structures like the dopaminergic pathways (e.g., the nucleus accumbens), is central to understanding motivation and behavior. This system is activated when we engage in behaviors that are pleasurable or rewarding (like eating, socializing, or receiving praise), reinforcing those behaviors. Over time, this system can become involved in more complex patterns of behavior, including addiction.

9. The Influence of Gut Microbiota

Growing research suggests that the gut microbiota (the community of microorganisms in the digestive system) may also influence behavior. The gut-brain axis refers to the connection between the gut and the brain through biochemical signaling. Disruptions to the microbiota can affect mood, anxiety, and even cognitive function, suggesting that the gut plays a larger role in emotional and psychological health than previously understood.

These biological processes are interconnected and often influence each other. For example, changes in neurotransmitter levels can alter hormonal balance, which in turn can impact brain activity and behavior. Additionally, environmental and psychological factors can modify or regulate these biological processes, further complicating how we understand human behavior.​

Check out our other posts in Witness Prep series to give you a better handle

 on Psychology of Stress and Behavior Modification