Introduction to Criminality Ms. Marlene Ramsey March 2, 2014 Criminality and Factors Criminality is a complex issue that can be viewed from many different vantage points. While I can find bits of truth in the life course theory, I tend to relate more to the latent trait theory. The latent trait theory proposes that there are certain traits or attributes that are present at birth (or established very early in life) that remain stable throughout life. Some of these traits can be viewed as negative or defective, and increase the likelihood that one engages in criminal activity. While parenting and opportunity can play a part in committing crimes, according to the latent trait theory, the propensity for an individual to commit a crime remains almost stable over a lifetime due to the negative or defective traits. The latent trait theory seems to be supported by an assortment of evidence. Those who are involved in criminal activity at an early age in life tend to persist in their illegal ways well into adulthood and beyond.
The Term Paper on Compare and contrast the aims and methods of Trait Theory
Psychologists seek to explain and formulate why people behave differently in everyday common situations and to define individual differences in terms of the knowledge gained and it structure. Personality can be defined as an individual’s characteristic qualities of thought, emotion and behaviour when interacting with their social environment. Traits are ‘relatively enduring ways in which an ...
It is no secret that the majority of inmates in correctional facilities around the country are recidivists. According to a 2006 Organized Crime Digest, 56 of violent felons are repeat offenders. (Anonymous, 2006) This seems to support the idea that something that has been well established is causing these individuals to engage in activities that they know are morally wrong or illegal. Many of the negative traits that remain stable over an individuals life can actually be attributed to personality disorders. Personality disorders are viewed in the psychological world as constant and very resilient to treatment. Some of these disorders, such as antisocial personality disorder and borderline personality disorder, are characterized by impulsive behavior. Criminality and Factors Impulsivity a hallmark of criminal activity, and if the disorder is never corrected (if it can even be corrected) then the impulsive, criminal behavior will persist.
References
Port, Tami. (2007).
Types of personality disorders clusters a, b c. Retrieved from http//personalitydisorders.suite101.com/article.cfm/personality_disorders Anonymous. (2006).56 of violent felons are repeat offenders. Organized Crime Digest. Retrieved from http//findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa4441/is_200609/ai_n17194955/tagcontentcol1 PAGE PAGE 1
