Criminal psychology Study Guide

The Social Learning Theory (SLT), as applied to criminality, proposes that criminal behaviours are learned through observation, imitation, and reinforcement within social contexts. This theory, initially championed by Albert Bandura, suggests that individuals are not born with criminal tendencies but acquire them by watching others. The learning process relies heavily on role models, who can be family members, peers, or even media figures. When an individual observes a role model performing a criminal act and sees that act being rewarded (or not punished effectively), they are more likely to imitate that behaviour. This is known as vicarious reinforcement. Conversely, if a behaviour is punished, the observer is less likely to imitate it (vicarious punishment). Key stages involve attention (paying attention to the model's behaviour), retention (remembering the observed behaviour), reproduction (being able to perform the behaviour), and motivation (having a reason to imitate the behaviour, often due to perceived rewards or lack of punishment). For example, a child who observes an older sibling shoplifting successfully and gaining desirable items without consequences might be motivated to try it themselves, demonstrating observational learning leading to criminal behaviour. The theory also highlights the importance of environmental factors and social interactions in shaping an individual's propensity for criminal acts, implying that changing these environments could potentially reduce criminality.

Heaven's 1996 longitudinal study investigated the relationships between personality traits, self-esteem, and delinquent behaviour in a group of Australian adolescents over a two-year period. The study aimed to see if certain personality characteristics, as defined by Eysenck's theory (extraversion, neuroticism, psychoticism), and levels of self-esteem could predict future delinquency. Participants were initially 13-15 years old. They completed questionnaires at two different times, two years apart. The questionnaires measured their personality traits, their self-esteem, and their self-reported delinquent acts. The findings suggested that a combination of personality traits, particularly high psychoticism and low self-esteem, were significant predictors of increased delinquency. Neuroticism also played a role. Conversely, higher self-esteem was generally associated with lower levels of delinquency. This study provides empirical support for the idea that psychological factors, beyond just social influences, contribute to understanding and potentially predicting delinquent behaviour within a developmental context.