Psychological Models of Criminal Behavior

Posted on Sep 3, 2024 in Psychology and Sociology

ITEM 9. Psychological Models of Criminal Behavior

Psychological models offer a framework for understanding criminal behavior through the lens of normal and pathological mental processes. Let’s delve into some prominent models:

I. Psychoanalytic Theory or Psychodynamic Models

This model, pioneered by Sigmund Freud (1856-1939), posits that criminal behavior stems from unresolved psychological conflicts and unconscious drives. Key features include:

  • Biological Determinism: The unconscious mind significantly influences behavior.
  • Pansexualism: The sexual instinct plays a pervasive role in shaping behavior.
  • Introspective Method: Psychoanalysis, through techniques like dream interpretation and free association, uncovers hidden motivations.

Understanding Criminal Behavior

Psychoanalytic theory views crime as a symbolic expression of repressed thoughts and feelings. It suggests that imbalances between the id (instinctual drives), ego (reality principle), and superego (moral conscience) contribute to criminal behavior.

Origins of Behavioral Disorders

Freud’s topographic model of the psyche (conscious, preconscious, unconscious) highlights the id, ego, and superego. Disharmony among these structures, often rooted in early childhood experiences, can lead to disorders like neurosis and the Oedipus Complex.

Therapeutic Viewpoint

Psychoanalytic therapy aims to uncover and address unconscious conflicts through clinical techniques like dream analysis and free association.

Freud’s Stages of Psychosexual Development

Freud proposed five stages of psychosexual development: oral, anal, phallic, latency, and genital. Fixation at any stage, due to unresolved conflicts, can influence personality and behavior.

Key Concepts

  • Libido: The primary psychic energy, often associated with sexual drive.
  • Eros: The life instinct, driving towards pleasure and survival.
  • Thanatos: The death instinct, associated with aggression and self-destruction.
  • Id: The primitive, instinctual part of the psyche, operating on the pleasure principle.
  • Ego: The mediator between the id and reality, operating on the reality principle.
  • Superego: The moral conscience, internalizing societal rules and values.

II. Behavioral and Social-Behavioral Models

These models emphasize the role of learning and environmental factors in shaping criminal behavior. They include:

1. Biological Behavioral Models

  • Focus on operant conditioning, where behavior is learned through reinforcement and punishment.
  • Draw inspiration from Pavlov’s classical conditioning experiments.
  • Suggest that criminal behavior is acquired through a conditioning process influenced by an individual’s social environment.
  • Propose behavior modification techniques based on operant conditioning as a treatment approach.

2. Social-Behavioral or Social Learning Models

  • Emphasize vicarious learning, where individuals learn by observing others.
  • Propose that criminal behavior is learned through observation and imitation of models, particularly within one’s social environment.
  • Highlight the concepts of vicarious reinforcement and vicarious punishment, where individuals learn from the consequences of others’ actions.
  • Suggest that the social environment plays a crucial role in the development of criminal behavior.

3. Theories of Moral Development and Cognitive Processing

  • Focus on the role of cognitive processes, such as moral reasoning and perception, in influencing behavior.
  • Draw upon the work of Piaget and Kohlberg, who proposed stages of moral development.
  • Suggest that individuals at lower levels of moral development may be more prone to criminal behavior.

4. Factor Model of Traits or Personality Variables

  • Shifts away from the concept of a”criminal personalit” and instead focuses on identifying personality traits associated with criminal behavior.
  • Aims to identify cognitive deficits that increase the likelihood of criminal conduct.
  • Uses objective measurement tools (tests, questionnaires) to assess personality traits.
  • Proposes intervention techniques and therapies to address cognitive deficits and reduce criminal behavior.

Cognitive Deficits Associated with Criminal Behavior

The factor model identifies several cognitive deficits linked to criminal behavior, including:

  1. Impulsivity
  2. Low Frustration Tolerance
  3. Aggression
  4. Egotism
  5. Lack of Empathy
  6. Low Self-Esteem
  7. External Locus of Control
  8. Extraversion
  9. Neuroticism

Intervention Techniques and Therapies

Addressing these cognitive deficits is crucial in reducing criminal behavior. Intervention techniques may include:

  1. Self-Control Techniques
  2. Relaxation Techniques
  3. Emotional Control Techniques
  4. Social Skills Training (Negotiation, Problem-Solving, Communication)
  5. Planning Techniques

Conclusion

Understanding the psychological underpinnings of criminal behavior is essential for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies. These models provide valuable insights into the complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to criminal behavior.