Cjs-240 Individual Theories

Individual Theories

CJS-240

May 4th, 2014

Fred Burgrave

Individual Theories

In this paper I will be discussing the theories of why or why not juveniles are motivated to commit crimes and the psychological means behind theories. A few of the theories that will be discussed are psychodynamic, behavioral, and routine activities.

Many would think that adolescence are motivated to commit crimes due to the fact that they “hang out with the wrong crowd;” however, there are many factors that come into play when a juvenile makes the decision to commit these crimes. Take for example the psychodynamic theory; this theory was founded by Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) and the theory “relates to views of personality in terms of conscious and unconscious forces that are responsible for instincts and pleasure seeking” (Cite pg. 68). The psychodynamic theory is also believed to shape the personality of juveniles based on childhood experiences. This is why behavioral analysis is very important in law enforcement. Sigmund Freud believes that this theory is caused by early childhood traumatic experiences, neurotic behavior, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. These factors play a large role in adolescent behavior.

The next theory that can be viewed as a cause for adolescent delinquency is the behavioral theory. The behavioral theory is based on life experiences that occur during early childhood, such as parenting or the lack thereof. The two psychologists whom founded this theory were American John B. Watson (1878-1958) and Harvard professor B.F. Skinner (1904-1990). These psychologists believed that behaviorism is learned by observing events that happen in a child’s life that causes their actions to seem rational whether they are or not. It is believed that “behavior is triggered by a stimulus or change in the environment” (Cite pg. 70). Behaviors can be altered by punishment or reward; for example, when a child does well in school, he or she will receive a reward that may...