The Psychology of Criminal Thinking

To understand the thought pattern behind a criminal mind, it is important to consider all possibilities. There is no single cause of criminal behavior. A combination of both genetic and environmental factors contributes to the thought process of a criminal. Some criminals will be motivated to engage in deeply immoral and illegal actions, while others simply break or bend the laws on a smaller but still significant scale. Examining the history of the person and the supporting facts of the crime lead to insight about similar criminals and their methods.

Psychological Disorders

People with psychological disorders often have altered thoughts that can cause inappropriate reactions. Delusions, impulses or other abnormal considerations can prompt a person to behave irrationally. While a mentally ill criminal's explanation for illegal behaviors may seem completely ludicrous to a normal person, it makes sense to the person committing the crime. Despite the apparent irrational nature of a particular senseless crime, psychological disorders are not able to explain all criminal behaviors.

Poverty

Studies published out of Ohio State University in the February 13, 2004 edition of the student newspaper suggest that there is a direct link to poverty and crime, despite the controversial nature of this debatable topic. While many researchers believe that there is no obvious link between the two, most people will agree that poverty-stricken regions tend to have a significantly higher crime rate. High levels of poverty can also force people to engage in criminal behaviors, such as stealing, when no alternative seems to be available.

Addiction

Addiction can fuel criminal thinking in a person without the proper resources to obtain the drug of choice. If a drug addict or alcoholic lacks funds to purchase the substance they are addicted to, criminal thoughts enter the mind. A severely addicted individual will do whatever it takes to get the drug, including steal, prostitute themselves or engage in other illegal activities. A study published in 2009 in Criminology and Criminal Justice suggests that in addition to addiction, criminal thinking is also associated with specific patterns of age and self-control.

Social Pressure

Research presented in 1998 at Ohio State University revealed information supporting the correlation between gang membership and criminal thinking. Gang members are encouraged to engage in criminal activities as a way of not only participating in the gang but also supporting it financially. Younger members are even more susceptible to criminal thinking as they attempt to prove themselves to other members. Older, more experienced members avoid participating in illegal actions for fear of repercussions, but easily manipulate young recruits using peer pressure and intimidation tactics.

Familial Influence

Partaking in illegal activity is easier when an individual grows up in a household where criminal thinking is the norm. Even if illegal or violent activity does not go on directly in the home, a generally dysfunctional environment can create the perfect breeding ground for criminal thinking, as reported in 2009 by Yale. Children who do not receive discipline for their inappropriate actions learn that they can get away with doing the wrong thing, even if they know it is indeed wrong. Furthermore, a lack of supervision can also have a dramatic effect on a child.

References

• Automatism, Insanity, and the Psychology of Criminal Responsibility: A Philosophical Inquiry; Robert F. Schopp; 1991
• The Lantern - High Crime Rate, Poverty Linked
• Criminology & Criminal Justice -- Criminal Thinking and Self-Control Among Drug Users in Court Mandated Treatment

Resources

• National Institute of Justice -- Criminal Behavior of Gang Members at At-Risk Youths
• Yale-New Haven Teachers Institute -- Family Influence