Theories of Criminal Behavior
Theories of Criminal Behavior
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Investigation of Theories of Criminal Behavior and Causal Factors
Numerous causal factors contribute to the occurrence of criminal behavior. These include addiction to drugs, genetics, exposure to a negative environment, having criminal peers, and poor socio-economic conditions. Being exposed to traumatic incidents in childhood can also induce people to take part in criminal activities (Almond et al. 2023). An example of real-world crime as committed by a person who had childhood trauma is that of Levi Bellfield. This is a person who was accused of committing several high-profile murders in the UK, and most of these crimes were committed by him on account of the head injuries that he suffered and also because of the trauma that was caused to him in his childhood because he came from a dysfunctional family (DelBlasio 2023). Many of the violent tendencies that were exhibited on the part of Levi Bellfield, were since his family members were dysfunctional and did not care about him. He took out his anger on women in particular and many of his murder victims have been women. Trauma as experienced in childhood thus appears to be a significant cause for criminal tendencies and behavior (DelBlasio 2023). This, and access to a disharmonious social environment can induce people to engage in the type of criminal activities that can have them placed behind bars for a long time. It is necessary to evaluate the causal factors of criminal behavior and understand the impact that trauma can have in inducing criminal behavior before judging the activities of criminals and deciding on the corrective actions that must be implemented to prevent walking down a path of crime in the future (DelBlasio 2023).
Labeling theory can help to explain why individuals commit crimes based on how others in society view them. A person who comes from a dysfunctional home, and who has suffered a brain injury is likely to be looked upon with pity and disdain by the members of his society. Such a person can then be overcome by a significant sense of trauma and can be instigated to undertake violent activities of a criminal nature, that can lead to extreme consequences (Adler and Laufer 2023). While it is not known how Levi Bellfield was labeled at the time of suffering a head injury and also during the time that he was growing up amid a dysfunctional family, it is likely that the perceptions that people had of him because of his turbulent family life and his physical condition, made him commit the types of crimes that he did. Trauma causes a deep sense of pain, and a sense of belonging is missing in the person who suffers from such a condition (Adler and Laufer 2023). The pain and sadness associated with the experience of feeling hurt, betrayed and not having a support system, can create a sense of isolation and helplessness in human beings, and due to this reason, a person can be instigated to commit criminal activities. Labeling theory helps to explain deviant behavior to a considerable degree. It explains that poor self-image or self-esteem as caused due to the perceptions of other people, can cause the type of pain and agony that makes one hate others in ones society and engage in activities that are deemed to be criminal (Wellford and Triplett 2023). The case of Levi Bellfield shows that poor image or self-esteem, trauma, and negative perceptions associated with the experience of being from a dysfunctional family and having a brain injury were enough to push the person over the edge and make him carry out violent activities that amounted to murder (DeBlasio 2023).
It is not enough to simply explain the causal factors that contribute to criminal behavior or the theories that explain them. It is also imperative to analyze theories and concepts that can be used to help people move away from criminal tendencies and past trauma and focus on a better life (Wong et al. 2023). The theory of change for resettlement argues that helping young people who move out of custody, to be appropriately resettled can change their perceptions and the perceptions of others about them, and it can help such individuals prevent criminal activities and lead a more rewarding life (Wong et al. 2023). It can bring about a transformation in how a deviant person views himself, and it can make such a person want to make a positive contribution to the society in which he lives. The likes of criminals such as Levi Bellfield ought to be treated by applying such theory so that there is an overwhelming need in such people to avoid criminal behavior and concentrate instead on healing and working on social acceptance (Wong et al. 2023).
Explanation of how Psychological Perspectives can be Applied by Individuals and Teams in Public Services to Reduce Criminal Behavior -
Psychological perspectives must be used by those who are working in the domain of public services to reduce the volume of criminal behavior that is taking place in society. It is important for public service professionals to psychologically understand and assess the people who are seen to show signs of deviant behavior. By doing so, they will be able to gain an understanding of why people act or behave the way they do, and what could be done to prevent such behavior again (Koepp et al. 2023). Individuals and teams that provide public services must ensure to assess with care and rigor, the type of criminals they are working with. Trauma-informed public service is the need of the house in the UK given the fact that most of the crimes that are being committed in this part of the world are due to the trauma that the criminals experience in their childhood (Koepp et al. 2023). An empathetic approach is what needs to be showcased on the part of counselors, legal professionals, and psychiatrists, as well as police officers who are recruited to work with criminals daily, or frequently. The act of judging a person for the crimes that he or she has committed is something that needs to be entirely avoided, as this will not help the criminal to focus on changing his behavior for the better, even if it means that shall be spending the remainder of his life in a prison cell (McMillan et al. 2023). Teams and individuals who are working on the betterment of criminals and their deviant behavior have to take cognizance of the trauma and the difficulties that such children would have faced in their childhood years. Both the labeling theory as well as the change for resettlement theory should be considered by such entities, to help criminals reform their behavior, and ensure that others in society especially those who are in prison or custody on account of criminal activities are not given a reason to commit such activities again (McMillan et al. 2023). Those who are found to be committing petty crimes in society should be provided with the scope of explaining why they are deviant, and it is the duty of the person or the team that is performing public service to understand the extent of the trauma that such a person would have experienced in his childhood so that his perceptions about himself can be changed and he can be exposed to the type of resettlement program that will enable him to change his life and become a better individual down the line (Roberts et al. 2023).
When judging whether the Ministry of Justice has done enough to adopt trauma-informed approaches across its services, the reoffending rates in the UK have to be taken into consideration. In March 2022, the reoffending rate in the UK stood at 25.2%. There has been an increase of 1.2% from what the figure was in 2021. This serves as an indication of the fact that those who showcase deviant behavior are not finding a reason not to walk down a path of crime again and that trauma-informed services are not being implemented as frequently or as extensively as they ought to be (McMillan et al. 2023). The rehabilitation of criminals in the UK can take place when a person is serving time in prison and it can also take place after a person has been released from prison. Probation services as well as various other agencies in the UK are known to be entrusted with the provision of resettlement services (Koepp et al. 2023). However, the fact that there is an increase that can be witnessed in the reoffending rates shows that resettlement programs are not too effective and that there is more that needs to be done on the part of the government in the UK to introduce rehabilitation facilities that are trauma-informed in nature and which take the best interests of the deviant person into account, at the time of being implemented (Koepp et al. 2023).
The Code of Practice for Victims of Crime in the UK ensures that restorative justice is made accessible to all those who have been a victim of crime. This is a process that is also aimed at ensuring that those who have committed a crime can feel the impact of their behavior on the lives of others (Roberts et al. 2023). The rise in reoffending rates serves as evidence of the fact that the implementation of restorative justice in the UK is not effective and that more should be done to enable criminals to evaluate and witness how their deviant actions can exert a negative impact on the lives of other people (Roberts et al. 2023).
Conclusion
To conclude, criminal behavior or deviant behavior in the UK continues to be a problem for UK society and there are more proactive efforts that the government here must make to reduce the incidence of criminal activity. Theories such as labeling theory as well as change for resettlement theory can be effectively utilized to help those who commit criminal behavior, to reform themselves, making them understand that a positive life or a life that enables them to make a valuable contribution to society in which they live, will ultimately be the most rewarding for them. If restorative justice is implemented in the UK with a greater degree of caution and care, and if trauma-informed approaches are adopted at the time of providing public services, the crime rates in the UK are certain to come down, and there will be a greater number of criminals in the UK opting to reform themselves and change the negative impact that they have created on UK society by their behavior. Social workers in the UK as well as those who provide public services must learn to analyze the traumatic backgrounds and experiences of the people that they deal with, especially those who show signs of deviancy or have committed criminal actions for which they have been placed behind bars. Only then will the reoffending rates be reduced and the crime scene in the UK will be less problematic or difficult for the authorities in the UK to contend with, compared to what it is right now.
References
Adler, F. and Laufer, W.S. eds., 2023. New Directions in Criminological Theory: Volume 4, New Directions in Criminological Theory. Taylor & Francis
Almond, L., Rainbow, L., Ramos Romero, M., Giles, S., McManus, M. and Nikolajeva, A., 2023. UK and Spanish stranger sexual offenders crime scene behaviours and previous convictions: A crosscultural comparison. Journal of Investigative Psychology and Offender Profiling, 20(2), pp.151-161.
DeBlasio, S., 2023. Levi Bellfield: The Bus Stop Stalker. In Cases on Crimes, Investigations, and Media Coverage (pp. 30-51). IGI Global.
Koepp, A.E., Watts, T.W., Gershoff, E.T., Ahmed, S.F., Davis-Kean, P., Duncan, G.J., Kuhfeld, M. and Vandell, D.L., 2023. Attention and behavior problems in childhood predict adult financial status, health, and criminal activity: A conceptual replication and extension of Moffitt et al.(2011) using cohorts from the United States and the United Kingdom. Developmental Psychology, 59(8), p.1389.
McMillan, T.M., McVean, J., Aslam, H. and Barry, S.J., 2023. Associations between significant head injury in male juveniles in prison in Scotland UK and cognitive function, disability and crime: A cross sectional study. PLoS one, 18(7), p.e0287312
Roberts, N., Doyle, L. and Roberts, M., 2023. Changing the culture of sexual violence at UK universities: a website analysis of definitions, report/support and prevent mechanisms. Higher Education Policy, pp.1-19.
Wellford, C.F. and Triplett, R.A., 2023. The future of labeling theory: Foundations and promises. In New directions in criminological theory (pp. 1-22). Routledge.
Wong, J.S., Lee, C. and Beck, N., 2023. PROTOCOL: The effects of resettlement/reentry services on crime and violence in children and youth: A systematic review. Campbell systematic reviews, 19(1), p.e1304.
Public Services: Psychology of Behaviour
Contents
TOC o "1-3" h z u Introduction: PAGEREF _Toc159106933 h 3The investigation of psychological perspectives and the manner in which they influence behavior. PAGEREF _Toc159106934 h 4References: PAGEREF _Toc159106935 h 9
Introduction:The coherence of the Justice System of the United Kingdom incorporates psychological approaches in order to assess criminal activities have often been questioned in light of its efficacy precisely concerning the prevalence of trauma amongst young offenders. In 2016, the "Beyond Youth Custody" project illustrates on an immense correlation between violent crimes carried out by youth and young people suffering from trauma, thereby underscoring the interconnectedness. It is revealed that a staggering 91% of young offenders had undergone some sort of traumatic experience due to extensive abuse or loss, at some point in their lives. Grounded upon which, the Ministry of Justice has looked forward to integrating measures that are oriented to trauma-informed practices across pivotal justice agencies.
A trauma-informed approach Is typically referred to as an approach that is deeply rooted into gaining cognizance regarding the gravity of traumatic events and the ramification on the neurological psychological and social development of the individual. Equipped with this knowledge, the feasibility of the justice system to ameliorate its existing practices of analyzing a certain crime can augment eventually, where they can better resolve the underlying issue, that contributed towards the offending demeanor, thereby firmly advocating for reintegration and rehabilitation initiatives.
This following report intends to meticulously assess that efficacy of introducing psychological approaches in order to determine the course of trauma informed practices across diverse justice system agencies in the United Kingdom. In addition to that, the study has concentrated upon two theories and determined its coherence with the approaches undertaken by the UK Justice System, while extrapolating a comparative analysis between the theories.
The investigation of psychological perspectives and the manner in which they influence behavior.
The theories that are taken into consideration in this context are the Theory of Change in Resettlement as well as the Labelling Theory. Owing to the fact that both of these theories are coherent when it comes to assessing the issues highlighted by the "Beyond Youth Custody" project, precisely regarding the experiences of young offenders and their reintegration into society.
Theory of Change in Resettlement:
Figure 1: Pictorial Representation of Theory of Change in Resettlement
The Outcome of "Beyond Youth Custody" project solitarily outlines the gravity of resolving underlying facets which actively contributes towards the demeanor of young offenders, such as sheer lack of social support coupled with traumatic experiences that are unresolved, limited accessibility to resources as well as other aspects. These factors harmonize with the central tenets of the Theory of Change in Resettlement, since it concentrates upon the necessity for integrating supportive interventions, so that successful reintegration can be facilitated. By acknowledging the ramification of traumatic circumstances experienced by young offenders, the root cause behind the individual's behavior can be ascertained (Raynor, 2020). This knowledge can broaden the horizon of determining the provision through which necessary support can be facilitated, during the course of the resettlement process. Additionally, trauma-informed practices are attuned with the rudimentary principles of the Theory of Change in Resettlement. These practices are intended to disrupt the cycle of offending by addressing the fundamental cause of behavior, all while advocating positive outcomes for young people who are transitioning out of custody.
Labelling Theory:
On a similar note, it can be stated that the core intention of the Labelling Theory is to dissect insights into the societal perception, which inherently stigmatize young offenders and label them for the rest of their life, thereby creating a crisis of self-identity among the young offenders, which act as an impediment for them to integrate into the society. The results associated with the "Beyond Youth Custody" project literally reveals an alarming rate of trauma induced young offenders, which can necessarily be interpreted as a fact that these individuals, somewhere down the line, not only faced stigmatization but at the same time also experienced the barriers of marginalization within the societal context (Triplett, 2023).
Trauma-informed practices, as delineated by the "Beyond Youth Custody" project, seamlessly harmonize with the rudimentary aspects of the Labelling Theory. Rather, the Theory concentrates upon the sincerity of stringently averting stigmatization. Since it further exacerbates subsequent demeanor. Hence, it is prudent to appoint supportive interventions that would inherently foster a positive ambience which would address the underlying needs of the young offenders.
Comparison:
Aspect Theory of Change in Resettlement Labelling Theory
Focus This theory intends to address the factors which facilitate successful reintegration Simultaneously, this theory intricately assesses societal reactions as well as labeling of individuals
Emphasis Social support, access to resources, psychological well-being Stigmatization, self-fulfilling
prophecy, trauma and labeling
Intervention Approach Supportive and rehabilitative interventions Avoidance of stigmatization and labeling
Relationship to Trauma-Informed Practice This theory realizes the impact of trauma and emphasizes therapeutic interventions This theory acknowledges trauma and highlights the gravity of avoiding further stigmatization (Hampson and Case, 2023)
Top of Form
From a public service standpoint, it is highly prudential to acknowledge the sincerity of both the aforementioned theories, so that the important driving factors, such as social influences, previous experiences and other aspects concerning the behaviour of young offenders can be analyzed in light of the findings from the "Beyond Youth Custody" report.
Valuable framework for policymakers and legal practitioners
The theories substantiate framework which could act as a sign for practitioners as well as policymakers associated within the department of public service to not only comprehend the complex labyrinth pertinent with reintegration procedure, but at the same time, also assist them in their endeavor of elaborately determining the factors influencing behavior among young offenders. Educated with this knowledge, the policymakers can design the intervention process in a holistic manner with an intention of mitigating recidivism rates simultaneously.
Offers insights into the societal reactions
The labeling theory specifically demonstrates valuable insight concerning societal reactions which shapes the self-perception among young offenders, subsequently leading to repeated behavior. That is why it is imperative for public service professionals to augment measures that can not only mitigate stigmatization, but at the same time, advocate social cohesion and inclusive approach to support efforts of reintegration (Case et al., 2022).
Gaining theoretical perception concerning the theories in a robust manner immensely contributes to the efficacious integration of a trauma-informed approach that can revolutionize the justice system. In accordance with the official report on trauma and violence amongst young people in custody it is highlighted that a substantial 91% of young offenders have experienced trauma resulting from abuse or loss. This statistic in itself underscores the prevalence of trauma across this demographic, which emphasizes the gravity of trauma-informed approaches in addressing their needs.
Practitioners can utilize the fundamentals of the Theory of Change in Resettlement to substantiate comprehensive support mechanisms, namely convenient accessibility to mental health services as well as gaining seamless access to social support junction that can facilitate successful reintegration into the society for the young offenders. Keeping this theory retrospection, practices relevant with trauma informed care can also be revitalized to emphasize the provision of therapeutic interventions that can potentially address the underlying trauma experienced by young offenders. This is important in case of advocating rehabilitation of young offenders, thereby mitigating the likelihood of recidivism (Case and Haines, 2021).
In a similar manner the contribution of Labelling Theory is also unequivocal in outline the sincerity of avoiding stigmatization as well as negative labeling. By acknowledging the theory, trauma-informed approaches should be redesigned holistically to create supportive and non-judgmental ambience that can foster healing and positive behavioral change.
References:Case, S. and Haines, K., 2021. Abolishing youth justice systems: children first, offenders nowhere. Youth Justice, 21(1), pp.3-17.
Case, S., Sutton, C., Monaghan, M., Greenhalgh, J. and Wright, J., 2022. Understanding preventative intervention in youth justice: Identifying and analysing programme theories.
Hampson, K. and Case, S., 2023. Youth Justice and COVID-19: Courts, Community and Custody. In Crime, Justice and COVID-19 (pp. 107-134). Bristol University Press.
Raynor, P., 2020. Theoretical perspectives on resettlement: What it is and how it might work. InAn Introduction to Penology-LJMU Custom Publication(pp. 359-375). Routledge.
Wellford, C.F. and Triplett, R.A., 2023. The future of labeling theory: Foundations and promises. InNew directions in criminological theory(pp. 1-22). Routledge.
