What theory holds that low intelligence is generally determined and inherited?

This chapter discusses early biological theories of delinquency and contemporary biological research on delinquency.

Abstract

Italian physician Cesare Lombroso (1918) is the recognized pioneer of the biological school of thought in the study of criminality. In his 1876 book, "Criminal Man," Lombroso first advanced his theory of atavism, which held that criminals are biological degenerates or "throwbacks" to primitive genetic forms. Criminals were identified by Lombroso as having physical traits similar to primitive humans. Although Lombroso later modified some of his hypotheses, they were still rejected by most scientists as biased and unscientific. The debate over the relationship between body type and deviant behavior was revived in the late 1930's by Ernest Hooton (1939). Hooton studied the physical characteristics of thousands of inmates and non-inmates and concluded that the majority of criminals were both physically and mentally inferior to non-criminals. Body-type theories of criminality have been dismissed as failing to show a physiological relationship between body type and delinquent behavior. The role heredity has in delinquent and criminal behavior has long been studied by biological criminologists in attempting to relate criminality to genetics. Early theories such as Dugdale (1877) and Goddard (1914) documented the long histories of deviance in some families, including delinquency, prostitution, idiocy, feeblemindedness, and fornication; however, most modern researchers tend to relate biological factors in criminality and delinquency to multiple causes that include sociologically based factors. Contemporary biological research on delinquency has focused on behavioral patterns of twins, adoption and fosterling studies, the XYY chromosome and criminality, and brain disorders. Current biological studies of juvenile delinquency and criminal behavior are focusing on research efforts in multiple fields, including heredity, biochemistry, immunology, neuroscience, and endocrinology. This multidisciplinary study of biology and deviance is important in providing a better understanding of the overall forces that can increase or decrease susceptibility to biological influences on criminality. The most promising approaches have incorporated biological variables with psychological and sociological variables in explaining juvenile deviant behavior.

AB Choice Theoryyouths will engage in deligent behavior after weighing the consequences and benefits of their actions. Delinquency is a rational choice Trait Theoryyouths engage in delinquent behavior due to aberrant physical or psychological traits that govern behavior choices, or impulsive rather than rational Free Willyouths are in charge of their own destinies and are free to make personal behavior choices unencombered by environmental factors Utilitariansthose who believe that people weigh the benefits and consequences of their future actions before deciding on a course of behavior classical criminologythe decision to violate the law comes after a careful weighing of the benefits and costs of criminal behaviors Routine Activities Theorycrime is a "normal" function of the routine activities of modern living. offenses can be made if there is a suitable target and motivated offender and no capable guardian Predatory CrimesViolent crimes against persons and crimes in which an offender attempts to steal an object directly from its holder General Detterncecrime control policies that depend on the fear of criminal penalties. aim is to convince law violators that pain outweighs the benefit Specific DetterenceSending convicted offenders to secure incarceration facilities so that punishment is severe enough to convince offenders not to repeat their criminal activity Criminal Atavismthe idea that delinquents manifest physical anomalies that make them similar to savages Somatotype Schoolargued that delinquents manifest distinct physiques that make them susceptible to particular types of delinquent behavior Equipotentialityview that all people are equal at birth and are thereafter influenced by their environment Biosocial Theoryview that both thought and behavior have biological and social bases Minimal Brain Dysfunctiondamage to the brain itself that causes antisocial behavior Learning DisabilityNeurological Dysfunction that prevents an individual from learning to his or her potential Evolutionary TheoryExplaining the exisistence of aggression and violent behavior as positive adaptive behaviors in human evolution Psychodynamic TheoryBranch of psychology that holds that the human personality is controlled by unconsious mental processes developed early in childhood Identity CrisisPsychological state, identified by Erikson, in which youth face inner turmmil and uncertaintly about life roles. Latent DelinquentsYouths who troubled family life leads them to seek immediate gratification without consideration of right and wrong or the feeling of others. BehaviorismBranch of psychology concerned with the study of observable behavior rather than unconscious processes Cognitive Theorybranch of psychology that studies the perception of reality and mental process required to understand the world we live in ExtravertA person who behaves impulsively and doesn't have the ability to examine motives and behavior NeuroticismA personality trait marked by unfounded anxiety, tension, and emotional instability Psychopathic/SocioathA person lacking in warmth and affection, exhibiting inappropriate behavioral responses, and unable to elarn from experiences Primary SociopathsIndividuals with an inherited trait that predisposes them to antisocial behavior Secondary SociopathsIndividuals who are biologically normal but exhibit antisocial behavior due to negative life experiences Nature TheoryLow intelligence is genetically determined and inherited Nurture TheoryInterlligence is partly biological but mostly sociological Secondary/Special PreventionPsychological counseling, and rehabilition treatment designed to prevent repeat offenses.

What theory holds that the more severely youthful offenders are punished?

The deterrence concept maintains that the choice to commit delinquent acts can be minimized by the threat of punishment. A core principle of deterrence is that the more certain, swift, and severe a punishment is, the more likely a juvenile will avoid that behavior.

What theory explains the existence of aggression and violent behavior as positive adaptive behaviors in human?

The General Aggression Model (GAM) explains aggression through developmental, social-cognitive, and social learning theories.

What theory expressed that criminal behavior was the product of unconscious forces operating within a person's mind?

PSYCHODYNAMIC THEORY Psychodynamic or Psychodynamic Psychology (PSYCHOANALYTIC THEORY / PSYCHOANALYSIS) - Proposed by Viennese psychiatrist Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) - This theory holds that the human personality is controlled by unconscious mental process developed in early childhood.

What is a deficit in emotional cognition that prevents people from being aware of their feelings or being able to understand or talk about their thoughts and emotions?

The term alexithymia literally means “lacking words for feelings” and was coined to describe certain clinical characteristics observed among patients with psychosomatic disorders who had difficulty engaging in insight-oriented psychotherapy (Sifneos, 1967).