Psychological explanations of crime emphasize individual differences in the way people think or feel about their criminal behavior.
In this discussion What psychological factors do you believe presents the best view to explain criminality?
Remember to properly cite and reference your source material. The discussion format includes paragraphs that contain an introduction, body, and conclusion. Approximately 350 words.
**ANSWER**
**Psychological Factors of Crime**
Psychological explanations of crime focus on individual differences in the way people think or feel about their criminal behavior. There are a number of different psychological factors that have been linked to criminality, including:
* **Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD)**: ASPD is a mental disorder characterized by a lack of empathy, remorse, and responsibility. People with ASPD are more likely to engage in criminal behavior than people without the disorder.
* **Psychopathy:** Psychopathy is a personality disorder characterized by a lack of empathy, remorse, and guilt. However, psychopaths are often charming and manipulative, which can make it difficult to identify them.
* **Early childhood trauma:** People who have experienced early childhood trauma, such as abuse or neglect, are more likely to engage in criminal behavior as adults.
* **Mental illness:** People with mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, are more likely to engage in criminal behavior than people without mental illnesses. However, it is important to note that the vast majority of people with mental illnesses are not violent.
* **Substance abuse:** Substance abuse is a major risk factor for criminality. People who abuse drugs or alcohol are more likely to engage in criminal behavior, either to obtain drugs or alcohol or to support their addiction.
**Best view to explain criminality**
In my view, the best view to explain criminality is a biopsychosocial model. This model takes into account individual biological and psychological factors, as well as social and environmental factors.
Biological factors, such as genetics and brain chemistry, can play a role in criminality. For example, people with a family history of criminality are more likely to engage in criminal behavior themselves. Additionally, people with certain brain abnormalities are more likely to engage in violent behavior.
Psychological factors, such as personality disorders and mental illnesses, can also play a role in criminality. For example, people with ASPD or psychopathy are more likely to engage in criminal behavior. Additionally, people with mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, are more likely to engage in criminal behavior if they do not receive treatment.
Social and environmental factors, such as poverty, unemployment, and exposure to violence, can also play a role in criminality. For example, people who live in poverty are more likely to engage in criminal behavior than people who live in affluence. Additionally, people who are unemployed are more likely to engage in criminal behavior than people who are employed.
**Conclusion**
There is no single psychological factor that can explain criminality. Rather, criminality is likely caused by a complex interaction of biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors.
**References**
* American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, D.C.: Author.
* Farrington, D. P. (1998). Biological factors in crime. In M. Tonry (Ed.), Crime and justice: A review of research (Vol. 23, pp. 1-65). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
* Moffitt, T. E. (1993). Adolescence-limited and life-course-persistent antisocial behavior: A developmental taxonomy. Psychological Review, 100(4), 674-701.
* Sampson, R. J., & Laub, J. H. (1993). Crime in the making: Pathways and turning points through life. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.