Welcome to Week 7!

Lesson Overview

This week delves into the intricate world of psychological theories and their influence on criminological thought. Psychology, as a discipline, offers a deep well of insight into human behavior, and when this is applied to criminal behavior, it provides unique perspectives on why individuals might commit crimes.

Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, proposed theories about the human psyche, emphasizing the id, ego, and superego’s roles. In criminology, his concepts help to explain criminal tendencies rooted in unconscious desires and internal conflicts. This week, we will explore how Freudian theory has been applied to criminal behavior, considering its strengths and limitations.

Venturing into the realm of biology and psychology combined, Hans Eysenck posited that individuals could be categorized into specific personality types that made them more prone to criminal behavior. Our exploration will touch upon his categorizations and how they correlate with criminal tendencies.

B.F. Skinner, a pivotal figure in behaviorism, argued that human behavior, including criminality, is shaped by external stimuli and reinforcements. Through this lens, criminal behavior can be seen as a response to environmental factors, and by modifying these factors, one might alter the behavior.

Albert Bandura posited that individuals learn behaviors, including criminal ones, through observation and imitation of others. This theory underscores the importance of societal and peer influences on criminal behavior. Our exploration will detail how such learned behaviors manifest in criminal acts.

These researchers delved into the thought patterns of criminals, emphasizing that criminal behavior often stems from dysfunctional thinking processes. Understanding and addressing these cognitive patterns, they believed, is key to rehabilitating offenders.

Tying it all together, we will review the critical links between psychological theories and the policies that arise from them. An understanding of why individuals commit crimes can lead to more effective and compassionate approaches in the criminal justice system. This week will highlight some of the landmark policies and interventions born out of these psychological perspectives.

Learning Outcomes

Describe how the early psychological theories explained criminal behavior
Summarize the modern psychological perspectives of criminality.
Explain the relationship between mental health and the criminal justice system.
Describe the policy implications associated with psychological explanations of criminal behavior.

Workflow

Readings

Chapter 2: Psychology and the Criminological Subject in Gadd, D., & Jefferson, T. (2007). Psychosocial criminology. ProQuest Ebook Central http://ebookcentral.proquest.com

Review of the Roots of Youth Violence: Literature Reviews
Volume 5, Chapter 2: Psychological Theories. Ontario Ministry of
Children, Community and Social Services http://www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/professionals/oyap/roots/volume5/chapter02_psychological_theories.aspx