Theories of Criminal Behavior Essay

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Understanding why individuals or groups engage in deviant or criminal behavior helps better inform therapeutic interventions and public policy. No one theory of crime can explain all criminal behavior. However, each theory does offer the potential for better understanding individual criminal acts or patterns of criminal behavior that take place within specific cultural or historical contexts. Integrating multiple theories can be helpful, too, showing how biology, psychology, politics, culture, and sociology intersect.

Biological Theories of Criminal Behavior

Some of the earliest theories of criminal behavior evolved out of biological determinism and evolutionary theory, which suggested that some people have a genetic predisposition towards criminality. Biological theories of criminal behavior can be based on different perspectives, including those that focus on neurochemistry, genetic conditions, developmental disorders, and even nutritional deficiencies (The Scottish Centre for Crime & Justice Research, 2016). Although the original biological theories of crime like those of Lombroso have been widely disproven, new research in genetics and neuroscience have shed light on some predispositions towards deviance and criminality (Newsome, 2014). Just as some individuals may have a predisposition towards certain mental and physical illnesses, which can be triggered or exacerbated by environmental conditions, people may be genetically or biologically predisposed towards antisocial or violent behavior or unable to control impulses in ways that precipitates criminality.

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Understanding the biological predispositions for criminality can help psychologists to develop pharmacological interventions that may reduce the potential for or severity of deviant behaviors.

Psychological Theories of Criminal Behavior

Psychological theories of criminal behavior focus on mental conditions, including both cognitive and emotional states. The foremost psychological perspectives on criminal behavior include social learning theory and rational choice theory, both of which can be integrated into a comprehensive psychological theory of crime (Hirschi, 2014).

Social Learning Theory

Social learning theory shows how individuals model their behavior after mentors, role models, and peers throughout childhood and well into adulthood. A person who is surrounded by others who practice or condone criminal behavior will be more likely to engage in those same behaviors in order to belong to that social group to receive rewards like acceptance and affection. Similarly, a person crafts an identity based on associations with a certain lifestyle or attitude. When a person internalizes an identity that is deviant, it is more likely that person will continue to engage in criminal behavior until their core identity changes.….....

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