Characteristics of criminal behaviour
Characteristics of Criminal Behaviour
Definition and Nature of Crime
- Crime is an act that violates a given set of legal regulations in a specific territory.
- Different territories have different legal systems, hence, a behaviour deemed as criminal in one territory may not be treated the same in another.
- Criminal behaviour may embody a spectrum of actions, such as theft, fraud, terrorist activities, homicide, and more.
Psychological Approaches to Understanding Crime
Bio-Psychological Perspectives
- Considers the interplay of biological and psychological factors in the development of criminal behaviour.
- Studies suggest that there exists certain genetic predispositions towards criminal behaviour.
- Other lines of bio-psychological research involve neuroimaging and neuropsychological testing to assess brain behaviour correlations.
Psychoanalytical Perspectives
- Rooted in Freudian theories, it suggests criminal behaviour stems from imbalances between id, ego, and superego, resulting in maladaptive defence mechanisms.
- Unresolved conflicts from psychosexual development stages might also contribute to criminal behaviour.
Behavioural and Cognitive Perspectives
- Behaviourists believe that criminal behaviour is learned through a process of conditioning and reinforcement.
- Cognitive theorists emphasise on faulty or irrational thought patterns leading to criminal behaviour.
Social and Environmental Factors
- Argues that socio-economic status, educational background, family history, and peer influence impact an individual’s likelihood to engage in criminal behaviour.
- Can be regarded from the perspective of Strain Theory and Social Learning Theory.
Risk Factors in Criminal Behaviour
Early life risk factors
- Includes harsh and inconsistent discipline in family, including neglect and abuse.
- Exposure to criminal behaviour in the immediate family.
Personal Risk Factors
- Includes low intelligence and social competence, mental health issues, impulsiveness and daring, and early involvement in drug and alcohol use.
Social Risk Factors
- Includes peer rejection, associations with criminal adults, living in areas marked by high crime rates or drug trade activities.
Protective Factors
- Factors that can help to mitigate the risk of criminal behaviour include strong social support, positive school experiences, and having stable relationships and employment.
Modelling and Reinforcement
- Crime is often learned through a process called modelling, where individuals adopt behaviours they observe in others, especially when these behaviours are seen being rewarded.
- The use of reward and punishment (or lack thereof) can reinforce or deter criminal behaviour.
- Both factors are central to Bandura’s Social Learning Theory.