May 22, 2013 04:06 PM EDT By Russell Westerholm, UniversityHerald Reporter

A recently published study from Texas A&M International University (TAMU) suggests that genetics and social environment is a more accurate predictor of future violent behavior than watching violent media.

Dr. Christopher J. Ferguson, university chair and associate professor of psychology at TAMU, lead the study and suggests genetics is a high-contributing factor to criminal behavior, Polygon.com reported.

Based on data collected from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, genetic variance factored into violent behavior of 58 percent of women and 20 percent of men.

"We basically find that genetics and some social issues combine to predict later adult arrests," Dr. Ferguson told Polygon.com. "Despite ongoing concerns about media influences, media exposure does not seem to function as a risk factor for adult criminality."

The influence a social environment has on a person typically is strongest when the individual is in their formative years as a child. Elements of a social environment include family members, peers and socioeconomic status.

Dr. Ferguson also acknowledged that predicting future behavior is not dependent on one element.

"Genetics alone don't seem to trigger criminal behavior, but in combination with harsh upbringing, you can see negative outcomes," he wrote in his report. "In our sample, experiencing maternal warmth seemed to reduce the impact of genetics on adult criminality."

Dr. Ferguson also addressed the media's role in influencing future criminal behavior in his report.

"People may object morally to some of the content that exists in the media, but the question is whether the media can predict criminal behavior," he wrote. "The answer seems to be no."

Dr. Ferguson received contributions from James D. Ivory of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, as well as Kevin M. Beaver of the College of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Florida State University.

The full study can be accessed on TAMU's website.

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