2017
Richard E. Tremblay
Causes of crime on the individual level and crime perevention.
Tremblay was awarded for his research on the interaction between biological and social causes of violent behaviour. His rigorous research showed that violent behaviour culminates in early childhood. His research shows that successful preventive measures against violence need to begin in early life, even in utero with mothers using harmful substances.Richard E. Tremblay
Born 1944 in Canada. Richard E. Tremblay was professor emeritus at the University of Montreal (Canada) at the time of the award.
Showed that children’s aggressive behaviour can be prevented through early intervention.Showed that children’s aggressive behaviour can be prevented through early intervention.
Early prevention that works
Richard E. Tremblay was awarded the 2017 Stockholm Prize in Criminology for his research on the relationship between biological and social factors in the development of aggressive and criminal behaviour, with particular focus on early intervention and the importance of parenting.
Tremblay combined research with rigorous testing of methods that can reduce violence and other criminal behaviour. His studies began in the 1980s in Montreal. At the time of the award, he was also working in Paris and Dublin, where his research included prenatal crime prevention with a focus on at-risk mothers. Tremblay’s research offers major potential for specific, detailed recommendations on intervention programmes for parents and children to prevent violence and other crime.
Children most often violent at age three
The peak age for violent behaviour is not 18 years, but three years – according to Tremblay’s systematic observations. This pattern has major implications for violence prevention. In his research, Tremblay has highlighted how both genetic and epigenetic factors interact with the environment to influence the development of aggressive and antisocial behaviour. He emphasises in particular that environmental influences, such as adverse conditions during pregnancy and toddlerhood, can lead to epigenetic changes that affect gene expression and thus individual behaviour. This means that young person’s propensity for violence can be changed, rather than accepted as inevitable.
Tremblay’s many important studies include a study in Montreal showing that children who suffered trauma at birth and who attended preschool were more prone to violence than children who suffered similar trauma but did not attend preschool. The study thus indicates that preschool may sometimes be inappropriate for vulnerable children.
Research that has influenced other areas
Tremblay’s team has published in a wide range of fields in journals of paediatrics, psychiatry, psychology, neuroscience, genetics, epi-genetics, economics, sociology, statistics, education, hypertonia, endocrinology, public health, and criminology. His interdisciplinary approach is a model for younger scholars wishing to develop and test more effective programmes. Tremblay’s record is evidence that such practical programmes do not require the abandonment of basic science.