Outline and Discuss in Detail the Various Theories Used by Psychologists to Explain Criminal Behaviour. by Applying Evidence to Support Your Argument, How Relevant Do You Consider These to Be?

The following essay will outline and discuss the various theories used by psychologists to explain criminal behaviour. According to White and Haines 2008 crime was seen as the result of externally caused biological problems or internal psychological factors that were treatable. They believe the criminal was made, not born. Psychological theories tend to focus on how characteristics of an individual lead to criminal behaviour, however these theories may also be irrelevant, challenge existing thinking and make people and institutions think. The Oxford Dictionary 2003 defines psychology as ‘the study of the nature, functions and phenomena of behaviour and mental experience.’ More specifically, it is the study of people and Williams 2004:171 states: ‘Psychology is the study of individual characteristics or qualities such as personality, reasoning, thought, intelligence, learning, perception, imagination, memory and creativity.’
Psychology is often separated into two groups or perspectives: how we function as an individual and how we interact with each other. Psychological positivism had different historical origins and a different orientation towards the offender and criminal activity. Some psychologists have argued that there may be a genetic explanation which is at the centre of explaining criminal behaviour, others have suggested that it is the environment in which people live which can influence their chance of becoming criminal (Marsh, 2010). The strand of positivism emerged in England from within the criminal justice institutions themselves (Garland, 1998) and since then many psychologists have considered a range of different explanations as to why certain individuals are driven to commit a particular type of crime. The origins of modern psychoanalysis can be found in the writing of Sigmund Freud (1856-1939), who placed emphasis on the part played in people’s mental functioning by the unconscious mind. The unconscious contains instinctive urges

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