Psychology of Addiction and Crime

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Questions and Answers

What characteristic is commonly associated with addiction, as identified in criminal behaviors?

Resilience

Perseverance

Tolerance (correct)

Innovativeness

What is a key feature of the cognitive behavioral model used in successful treatments for both addiction and crime?

Process of change through awareness (correct)

Emphasis on medication adherence

Development of leadership skills

Focus on emotional regulation

What does the persistence of antisocial behavior in some offenders suggest about their criminal activity?

It is always linked to family history.

It resembles a lifelong career. (correct)

It is due to socio-economic status.

It declines with age like most offenders.

Which statement best reflects a criticism of the addiction to crime theory?

It lacks sufficient research support to clarify its uniqueness. Signup and view all the answers

What common characteristic of addiction other than craving was noted in relation to shoplifting?

Withdrawal symptoms Signup and view all the answers

What role does guilt play in Freudian psychoanalysis regarding criminal behavior?

It motivates individuals to commit crime as a way to alleviate oppressive feelings. Signup and view all the answers

What did Bowlby's attachment theory suggest about delinquency?

Maternal separation can lead to developmental problems associated with delinquency. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best represents a criticism of Freudian concepts in modern psychology?

They lack empirical support and are rarely used by modern psychologists. Signup and view all the answers

What does the psychoanalysis view propose about the superego in relation to crime?

An overwhelming superego can lead to criminal behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Which concept emphasizes the interaction between personal and environmental factors in criminal behavior?

Socio-psychological interactions. Signup and view all the answers

Why might some criminal behavior be considered akin to addiction?

It can persist despite negative consequences, similar to addiction. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant finding from Bowlby’s study of 'Forty-four juvenile thieves'?

Maternal separation was found to be a significant factor for delinquency. Signup and view all the answers

What is an argument against the effectiveness of psychoanalytic therapies for criminal behavior?

They require extensive time and may be ineffective. Signup and view all the answers

What role does social input play in learning, according to the discussed theories?

It primarily consists of rewards and punishments. Signup and view all the answers

How did Bandura's studies contribute to the understanding of social learning?

They showed that children imitate adults based on observed consequences. Signup and view all the answers

What concept challenges the argument that crime is solely learned socially?

The genetic transmission of violent behavior. Signup and view all the answers

According to Miller and Dollard, what is expected if a model is rewarded for theft?

The observer is likely to imitate that behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What limitation does the social learning theory face in explaining criminal behavior?

It lacks clarity on the conditions necessary for learning behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What does the evaluation of social learning theory highlight as a pro?

It addresses the learning of complex behaviors holistically. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the discussed theories, how is crime characterized?

As a behavior that can also be non-goal directed. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the social learning perspective considered beneficial in understanding criminality?

It emphasizes observational learning mechanisms. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of individuals high in neuroticism?

Tendency to be anxious Signup and view all the answers

According to Eysenck’s Biosocial Theory, what role does socialization play in criminal behavior?

It helps prevent antisocial behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What defines psychoticism in Eysenck’s theory?

Antisocial behavior and psychopathy Signup and view all the answers

How do introverts typically differ from extraverts in terms of learning through conditioning?

Introverts condition faster than extraverts. Signup and view all the answers

What is one criticism of Eysenck's Biosocial Theory?

It is based on flawed data. Signup and view all the answers

What might be a result of failure in the socialization process according to Eysenck?

Development of criminal behavior Signup and view all the answers

What can lead an individual to avoid antisocial behavior according to the Biosocial Theory?

Experiencing pain or anxiety Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a tendency of neurotics?

Low self-esteem Signup and view all the answers

What is a protective factor in the context of preventing juvenile delinquency?

A supportive individual or condition that can mitigate risk factors Signup and view all the answers

Which type of intervention focuses on changing social conditions and institutions to prevent delinquency?

Community prevention interventions Signup and view all the answers

What is a key goal when addressing juvenile delinquency according to the approaches discussed?

Addressing both risk and protective factors Signup and view all the answers

What is the most effective intervention combination for reducing anti-social behavior in children?

Parent-focused family support combined with educational programs Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the focus of the Persistent Young Offender Project?

One-to-one mentoring and group work on life skills Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a risk factor for juvenile delinquency?

Poor parenting practices Signup and view all the answers

What aspect is important for developmental prevention strategies?

Tackling the specific risk factors of youth Signup and view all the answers

Which intervention type aims at providing educational support before formal schooling?

Early childhood intervention programs Signup and view all the answers

What significant background information about John Smith is unknown?

His pre-natal care Signup and view all the answers

What approach could help analyze John's case based on his childhood experiences?

Psychoanalytic approach Signup and view all the answers

Which area of John's life would be most relevant for further information collection under a psychoanalytic framework?

His attachment style and history Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the diagnoses given to John Smith during his school years?

Emotional disability Signup and view all the answers

What trend regarding John's living situation can be noted from the early years?

He frequently moved between homes and campgrounds Signup and view all the answers

Why might the developmental life-course approach be suitable for studying John's behavior?

It considers multiple causal factors over a person's lifespan Signup and view all the answers

At what age did John begin receiving outpatient services for behavioral issues?

10 Signup and view all the answers

What were considered to have limited effectiveness in John's treatment?

Therapy and psychopharmacology treatments Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

CPS2822: Theories of Crime

Course taught by Dr. Kalliopi Megari, Academic Director PG Clinical Psychology, Psychology Department, University of York, City College
Topics covered include theories of crime (single factor), juvenile offenders, levels of theoretical analysis, neuropsychology, psychoanalysis, addiction to crime, Eysenck's biosocial theory, social learning theory, strain theories, and social construction.

Week 2 Outline

Chapter 5: Theories of Crime (Single Factor Theories):
- Neuropsychology
- Psychoanalysis
- Attachment
- Addiction to crime
- Eysenck's Biosocial Theory
- Social Learning theory
- Strain theories
- Social construction
Chapter 6: Juvenile Offenders and Beyond:
- Risk and protective factors
- Social interventions to reduce delinquency

Levels of Theoretical Analysis

Crime can be explained at various levels, interwoven and complementary.
- Societal (Macro) theories
- Community (Locality) theories
- Group Influence and Socialization theories
- Individual approaches

Additional Points

A variety of theories of crime are considered.
Video resources provide supplementary learning.

Neuropsychology

The case of Phineas Gage
Neuropsychology concerns brain structure and activity/function related to psychological processes.
Questions about whether neuropsychology can explain criminal behavior are explored.
Biological explanations are not the sole determinant. Evidence indicates significant social and psychological factors.
Methodological challenges in studying the relationship: the difficulty of establishing if brain differences cause criminal behaviour.
Traumatic Brain Injury may affect regions responsible for social behaviour (self-regulation, planning, etc.).
Cautious approach to linking brain pathologies directly to criminal behavior.
Issues with brain damage being a consequence rather than a cause of violent behaviour.

Neuropsychology - Evaluation

Pros: Potential for better-targeted treatments. Possibility for biological factors slightly influencing criminality.
Cons: Limited understanding of biological basis of criminality, difficulty in establishing causes for individual cases. Biological approaches don't address immediate therapy or assessing future behavior.

Psychoanalysis

Criminality seen in terms of guilt, a concept central to Freudian psychoanalysis (Freud, 1916).
Feelings of guilt leading to crimes as a form of release.
Focus on the interplay between internal forces (e.g, overpowering superego).
Attachment theory: Critical role of early caregiver relationships in later behavior and relationships.
Associations between parental attachment and delinquency.

Psychoanalysis - Evaluation

Pros: Some aspects of attachment and early childhood experiences influential in directing research.
Cons: Contemporary psychology less directly uses Freudian concepts; therapies are time consuming and possibly ineffective. Difficulty demonstrating direct causal links.

Addiction to Crime

Is crime an addiction?
Characteristics of addiction (tolerance, withdrawal, craving, relapse) also seen in some criminal behavior, especially for some individuals.
Considerations for classification include frequent co-occurrence with substance abuse, similar risk factors, persistence, and chronic antisocial behavior.

Addiction to Crime - Evaluation

Pros: Could explain continued criminal involvement despite punishment; applies to diverse types of crimes.
Cons: Difficulty in establishing causality, lack of conclusive research, and may not explain all criminal behaviour.

Eysenck's Biosocial Theory

XYY chromosome hypothesis
Offenders may be more prone to aggression due to biological factors. Genetic susceptibility to crime.
The theory suggests that genetics influence and interact with environmental factors, contributing to criminal behavior.
Biological factors (e.g., XYY chromosome)
Constitutional factors relating to body type. (e.g., mesomorphic)
Personality factors (e.g., extraversion, psychoticism, neuroticism)

Eysenck's Biosocial Theory - Evaluation

Pros: Comprehensive approach considering biological and environmental factors
Cons: Data may be flawed, social input aspect overly simplified, and broader concepts reduced to key factors.

Observational learning of crime
Suggests behaviours can be learnt through observation of others being rewarded or punished for actions.
Early studies by Bandura demonstrating imitation in children.
Conditions under which this learning occurs must be explored.
Crime is not necessarily goal-directed.

Pros: Addresses complex behaviors; importance of normal processes.
Cons: Explaining under what conditions criminal behaviour occurs may be unclear; difficulties may be found in knowing conditions where learning is not relevant; limited explanatory power.

Strain Theories

Blocked opportunity to achieve socially valued goals (monetary success)
Stress or strain can lead to criminal behavior.
Lack of legitimate opportunities may lead to crime.
Strain considered a societal/structural factor in crime generation.

General Strain Theory

Various sources of strain lead to negative emotions and potentially criminal behavior.
Focus on a range of experiences leading to criminal behavior.
Strains related to delinquency (abuse, neglect, difficult family relationships, poverty, rejection etc.).

General Strain Theory - Evaluation

Pros: Good overview of deviant behaviour; relevance to the field; psychological approach.
Cons: Under development with more study needed; strength of its principles uncertain and more research required.

Social construction of knowledge of crime.
Knowledge not simply discovered but shaped by social processes.
Interest groups and their efforts to shape the perspective and knowledge of crime.
Examples of how medical and other groups construct knowledge, highlighting the importance of the 'war on drugs'.

Pros: Awareness of societal processes and shifts in knowledge of crime.
Cons: Doesn't explain crime per se but assists in understanding its conceptualization; limitations on relevance to forensic and criminal psychology.

Developmental and Life-Course Criminology

DLC recognizes the complex interplay of various factors across the lifespan.
Multiple factors influence offending, not just one or two distinct ones, from infancy to adulthood (temporal order).
DLC recognizes that influences are from 'womb to tomb' and how these factors change over time.

Chapter 6: Juvenile Offenders and Beyond

Includes sections on adolescents, crime and family, criminogenic factors, protective factors, and social interventions.
Discusses risk factors and protective factors in preventing future issues, including methods to help rehabilitate.

Activity

Students should select a theory and identify case study details relating to that theory to understand its implications for the case study. - Consider areas for further research based on the chosen theory.
Case Study example: Information about John Smith, a person incarcerated for rape, and the circumstances leading to the incarceration.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz explores the intricate relationship between addiction and criminal behavior, emphasizing key psychological theories and models. It covers various aspects, including cognitive behavioral approaches, Freudian views, and Bowlby’s attachment theory. Engage with thought-provoking questions that challenge your understanding of these complex topics.