What Conditions Lead to Criminal Behavior?
What causes a person to become a criminal? Does environment lead to the development of a criminal, or could genetics be to blame? These are questions which have been contemplated by psychologists for hundreds of years. While there are many theories on this subject, studies show that criminal behavior is closely linked to biological instincts and can be affected directly by environmental conditions.
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Types
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Criminal behavior can be simply defined as intentional actions or conduct which are illegal. Criminal behavior is also frequently linked to aggression. According to a "The Psychology of Aggression" by K.E. Moyer, there are eight types of aggression. These include predatory aggression, inter-male aggression, fear-induced aggression, territorial aggression, maternal aggression, irritable aggression, sex-related aggression and instrumental aggression. Each of these types of aggression can be linked directly to certain types of criminal behavior.
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Predatory aggression is directed at other living beings--humans or animals. This type of aggression is related to the hunting instinct found in humans. Predatory aggression generally presents itself in the form of stealing from or harming other people. Those criminals who are considered psychopathic often display predatory aggression, and are found to have no remorse or moral dilemma with their criminal behavior. Inter-male aggression is exactly what it sounds like--aggression between males. This is believed to be directly linked to the male ego and natural drive for competition between men.
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Fear-induced aggression is thought to be a biological instinct which causes aggression when one is confined or trapped against his will. This type of aggression is blamed for much of the criminal behavior displayed within prisons. Territorial aggression is displayed when one's perceived territory is invaded. This is can include one's home, possessions, spouse, children or anything which the person perceives as "his." Criminally, this type of aggression is often displayed in spousal abuse.
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Sex-related aggression works very much like any other form of sexual desire in that the same type of stimuli can cause both. However, sex-related aggression is generally compounded by jealousy or the need for power or dominance. This type of aggression is linked with sex- related crimes like pedophilia and rape. Instrumental aggression is the result of being rewarded for previously similar behavior. For example, if a criminal received some a reward (like money) when robbing a store, she is more likely to be more motivated to repeat the behavior.
Misconceptions
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Contrary to popular belief, not all types of aggression are directly related to criminal behavior. Maternal aggression is displayed by mothers (and sometimes fathers) when danger is posed to their children. This type of aggression is not generally a factor in crimes, unless they involve the mother protecting the child from real or perceived danger. Irritable aggression is displayed when a person is hurt, frustrated or otherwise upset. This type of aggression is not usually a sole motivator for crime, but when not properly handled, can help induce criminal behavior.
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