Download - Chapter 5 Trait Theory
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Larry J. Siegel
Valerie Bell • University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
Chapter FiveTrait Theory
• Development of Trait Theory– Trait Theory
• The view that criminality is a product of abnormal biological or psychological traits.
– Sociobiology• The view that human behavior is motivated by
inborn biological urges to survive and preserve the species.
– Contemporary Trait Theory
Trait Theory
• Biological Trait Theories– Biochemical Conditions and Crime
• Diet• Hypoglycemia • Hormonal influences
– Androgen – Testosterone
• Premenstrual syndrome• Lead exposure • Environmental contaminants
Trait Theory
• Biological Trait Theories– Neurophysiological Conditions and Crime
• Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder• Brain Chemistry
– Neurotransmitters • Arousal Theory
Trait Theory
• Biological Trait Theories– Genetics and Crime
• Parental deviance• Adoption studies• Twin Behavior
– Monozygotic twins– Dizygotic twins
Trait Theory
• Evolutionary Views of Crime– The Evolution of Gender and Crime
• Survival of the gene pool
Trait Theory
• Evaluation of the Biological Branch of Trait Theory– Problems
• Explaining geographic, social, and temporal patterns in the crime rate
• Explaining existence of crime across differing individuals
Trait Theory
• The Psychological Trait View– The Psychodynamic Perspective
• Id• Ego• Superego
– Attachment Theory
Trait Theory
• The Behavioral Perspective: Social Learning Theory – Behavior Modeling
• Family interactions• Environmental experiences• Mass media
– Social learning
Trait Theory
• Cognitive Theory– Information Processing Theory
• Mental perception• Faulty reasoning
Trait Theory
• Personality and Crime– Hans Eysenck
• Psychoticism, Extraversion, Neuroticism • Extreme extroverts or introverts at risk for
antisocial behavior – Psychopathic Personality
• Antisocial personality
Trait Theory
• Intelligence and Crime– Nature Theory– Nurture Theory– IQ and Criminality
Trait Theory
• Mental Disorders and Crime– Crime and Mental Illness
• Mood disorder• Oppositional defiant disorder• Schizophrenia• Bipolar disorder
Trait Theory
• Social Policy and Trait Theory– Primary Prevention Programs
• Seek to treat personal problems before they manifest as crime
– Secondary Prevention Programs• Provide treatment to youths and adults after they
have violated the law
Trait Theory