Understanding Personality Disorders

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What type of crime includes illegal acts committed by an illegal organization?

Property Crime

Cyber Crime

Public Order Crime

Organized Crime (correct)

Which theory suggests that an individual's lifestyle can increase their risk of becoming a victim?

Deviant Place Theory

Situational Theory

Precipitation Theory

Lifestyle Theory (correct)

What is a characteristic of passive precipitation according to the Precipitation Theory?

Victim actively engages in risky behaviors.

Victim is aware of the potential dangers involved.

Victim provokes aggression through verbal threats.

Victim has traits that unknowingly attract attackers. (correct)

Which type of crime is characterized by actions such as vandalism and theft?

Property Crime Signup and view all the answers

According to the Deviant Place Theory, what increases the likelihood of victimization?

Living in high-crime neighborhoods Signup and view all the answers

Which crime involves activities like identity theft and hacking?

Cyber Crime Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of active precipitation in the Precipitation Theory?

A victim engaging in a fight first Signup and view all the answers

What is a common trait of victims according to the Lifestyle Theory?

Substance abuse or criminal activity Signup and view all the answers

Which three variables are closely linked in Routine Activities Theory to present typical routine activities?

Available targets, lack of guardians, emboldened offenders Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a phase of the profiling process?

Predictive Outcome Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of a profile typically includes the analysis of physical capabilities and possible criminal experience?

Physical Profile Signup and view all the answers

In profiling, which piece of information is important for understanding potential connections to the victim?

Possible career Signup and view all the answers

Which element is NOT considered a characteristic generally included in an offender profile?

Behavioral patterns Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic behavior of individuals with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)?

Inflated sense of self-importance Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following symptoms is NOT associated with Schizophrenia?

Euphoria Signup and view all the answers

What typically contributes to the development of Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)?

Chaotic family life Signup and view all the answers

What neurotransmitter imbalance is believed to be a primary cause of Bipolar Disorder?

Serotonin Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a defining feature of Depression Disorder?

Persistent feelings of sadness Signup and view all the answers

What behavior is indicative of Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD)?

Pervasive disregard for the rights of others Signup and view all the answers

Individuals with Bipolar Disorder typically experience which of the following?

Extreme mood swings Signup and view all the answers

Which factors are commonly associated with the development of ODD?

Genetics and prenatal exposure to toxins Signup and view all the answers

What two factors contribute to an individual becoming part of mass hysteria?

A suggestable state and exposure to repeated suggestion Signup and view all the answers

In which circumstances can mass hysteria occur?

In religious rites and political rallies Signup and view all the answers

Which demographic tends to have a higher incidence of criminality according to social class?

Deprived neighborhoods Signup and view all the answers

What role does gender play in criminal activity?

Men outnumber women significantly in criminal populations Signup and view all the answers

At what age does involvement in minor property crime generally peak?

Between ages 15 and 21 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best explains racial patterns in penal populations?

Racial profiling and police enforcement practices Signup and view all the answers

What trend is observed in relation to age and participation in more serious crimes?

Participation peaks during late teenage years through the 20s Signup and view all the answers

What common justification is often given for the racial disparity in prison populations?

Racial biases in law enforcement practices Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Not Criminally Responsible' (NCR) imply about a person's actions?

They lack the capacity to understand their actions due to a mental disorder. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following traits is most commonly associated with a dysfunctional family?

Inability to solve problems and communicate effectively. Signup and view all the answers

How does low self-control typically manifest in individuals?

Acting impulsively without prior thought. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is associated with individuals who have anti-social values?

They tend to justify their criminal behavior extensively. Signup and view all the answers

What role do criminal peers typically play in influencing behavior?

They encourage engagement in criminal activities. Signup and view all the answers

Which behavior might indicate the presence of an antisocial personality before age 15?

Running away from home or skipping school. Signup and view all the answers

How does substance abuse significantly impact an individual's life?

It often creates an inability to maintain a successful lifestyle. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the behavior of individuals with criminal thinking patterns?

They often rationalize their criminal activities. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)

Characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a sense of entitlement, and an arrogant attitude.
Driven by admiration, incredibly envious, and crave power.
Capable of empathy, but view others based on their own benefit.
Causes may include early trauma/anxiety, insecure parental attachment, vulnerability, or possibly standards set by others.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

Persistent refusal to comply with rules.
Failure to accept responsibility.
Hostility towards others, physically or verbally.
Easily annoyed, irritated, or angered.
Deliberate testing of limits.
Often caused by a chaotic family life, genetics, prenatal exposure to toxins, or underdevelopment of the brain.

Schizophrenia

A serious mental disorder where individuals interpret reality abnormally.
May experience hallucinations, delusions, and extremely disordered thinking and behavior impairing daily functioning.
Can be disabling.

Bipolar Disorder

Causes extreme mood swings, including emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).
Thought to be a result of chemical imbalances in the brain.
Neurotransmitters, such as noradrenaline, serotonin, and dopamine, play a role in controlling brain functions.

Depression Disorder

A mood disorder causing a persistent feeling of sadness, loss of interest, and difficulty with daily activities.
Also referred to as major depressive disorder or clinical depression.
Impacts feelings, thoughts, and behavior, leading to emotional and physical problems.

Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD)

Characterized by pervasive disregard for, or violation of, the rights of others.

Types of Crimes

Violent crime: Crimes committed against other people.
Property crime: Crimes involving damage or theft of property, such as vandalism.
Public order crime: Crimes that are contrary to moral values.
White collar crime: Business-related crimes.
Organized crime: Illegal acts committed by organized criminal groups.
Cyber crime: Crimes committed using technology, such as identity theft, child pornography, and hacking.

Theories of Victimization

Precipitation theory: Some victims' actions or choices contribute to the situation leading to their victimization.
- Active precipitation: The victim knowingly puts themselves in dangerous situations, uses threatening words or attacks first.
- Passive precipitation: The victim possesses characteristics that unknowingly motivate or threaten the attacker.
Lifestyle theory: Individuals with lifestyles that increase exposure to crime are more likely to become victims.
- Examples include living in high-crime areas, being out late, using drugs or alcohol, and participating in criminal activities.
Deviant place theory: Victims are prone to victimization because they live in disorganized, high-crime areas.
- Individuals in these areas are more likely to encounter criminals due to their environment, regardless of their lifestyle.
Routine activities theory: This theory focuses on three factors that increase the likelihood of crime:
- Availability of suitable targets (e.g., unlocked homes with valuable possessions).
- Lack of capable guardians (e.g., police presence, neighbors, security systems).
- Presence of motivated offenders (e.g., individuals with financial struggles, addiction, etc.).

Profiling

Investigation of a crime to identify the offender based on crime scene forensics, investigative psychology, and behavioral science.
- Phases in the profiling process:
  - Antecedent (planning, trigger events).
  - Method and manner (M.O. or modus operandi).
  - Body disposal (crime scene analysis).
  - Post-offense behavior (contact with media, potential clues left behind).
Profile information:
- Height, weight, age range.
- Gender.
- Personality characteristics.
- Ethnic background.
- Possible career.
- Physical capabilities.
- Criminal experience.
- Connection to the victim.
- Criminal motive.
- Sexual orientation.

Mob Violence (or Mass Hysteria)

In a group setting, individuals may do, say, or feel things that they would find unacceptable in other situations.
Not necessarily new emotions, but rather a release of pent-up emotions.
Two factors must be present:
- Suggestible state: Mental state, alcohol, drugs, or rhythmic sounds can increase suggestibility.
- Repeated suggestion: Exposure to a repeated slogan or idea.
This phenomenon can be positive or negative, occurring in religious rites, political rallies, and sports/entertainment events.

Characteristics of Criminals

Social class: Individuals from lower socioeconomic levels in deprived neighborhoods tend to have higher rates of criminality.
Racial patterns: Penal populations often have a disproportionately higher number of people from minority racial groups.
- This can be attributed to factors like racial profiling and discriminatory enforcement by law enforcement.
Gender: Crime is predominantly a male activity.
- Men significantly outnumber women in criminal populations across all severity levels.
Age: Crime is also predominantly a youthful activity.
- Involvement in property crime peaks around ages 15-21.
- Participation in more serious crimes peaks later, from late teens to mid-20s, and declines with age after 30.
Not Criminally Responsible (NCR): A legal defense used when an individual is unable to understand the nature of their actions due to a mental disorder.

6 Criminal Personality Traits

Anti-social values: Criminal thinking, justifying their actions.
- Often blame others for their behavior.
Criminal peers: Association with individuals engaging in criminal activities.
- Peer influence often encourages criminal behavior.
Antisocial personality: Atypical behavior before age 15: running away, skipping school, fighting, lying, stealing.
Low self-control: Inability to control temper and impulsivity.
- Often act without thinking, making unplanned decisions.
Dysfunctional family: Lack of family support, poor communication, and inability to express emotions appropriately.
- Often involved in criminal activity.
Substance abuse: Use of alcohol or drugs that significantly affect one’s ability to live a successful and productive life.
- Increased tolerance and inability to stop using.

Studying That Suits You

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

Description

This quiz explores key concepts related to Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), and Schizophrenia. It covers characteristics, causes, and implications of these serious mental health conditions. Test your knowledge on these critical psychological disorders and their impact on individuals and society.