Individual differences affecting crime

Individual differences affecting crime

Personality Factors

• Impulsivity: Those who are impulsive may act without considering the consequences, leading to criminal activity.
• Psychopathy: Individuals with psychopathic traits often lack empathy and can be manipulative, which can increase their propensity for crime.
• Narcissism: Excessive self-centeredness can lead to a sense of entitlement or exploitation of others, which may contribute to criminal behaviour.

Intellectual and Cognitive Factors

• Lower Intelligence: Some research suggests a negative correlation between intelligence and crime, although this relationship is complex and influenced by many factors.
• Cognitive Deficits: Deficits in areas such as decision-making, moral reasoning, or perspective-taking can increase the risk of criminal behaviour.

Mental Health Factors

• Mental Illness: Certain mental disorders, such as antisocial personality disorder, are associated with increased risk of criminal activity.
• Substance Abuse: Addiction to drugs or alcohol can lead to criminal behaviour, particularly if the individual is involved in drug dealing or crimes to fund their addiction.

Environmental Responsive Factors

• Abuse or Neglect in Childhood: Those who have suffered trauma, neglect, or abuse in their early years are more likely to engage in criminal activity later in life.
• Socialization: Insufficient teaching/learning of appropriate behaviours can result in criminal activity.