CRM 101 Chapter 6- Trait Theories

Trait theories

The view that criminality is the product of abnormal biological or psychological traits, not free will.

Biosocial theory

Combines biological factors with environmental influences to explain criminal behavior.

Biochemical conditions

Factors like diet, hormones, environmental contaminants, or substance use that can influence behavior and aggression.

Neurophysiological conditions

Brain structure or function abnormalities (e.g., brain damage, low arousal) associated with impulsivity and aggression.

Genetic influences

Traits and predispositions inherited from parents that may increase the likelihood of criminality.

Evolutionary theory of crime

Suggests aggression and certain behaviors have evolved because they historically increased reproductive or survival success.

Psychodynamic theory (Freud)

Crime is the result of abnormal development of the personality, often due to early childhood experiences.

Id

Primitive drives and instincts.

Ego

Mediates between id and reality.

Superego

Moral conscience.
Criminal behavior occurs when the id dominates or the superego is underdeveloped.

Attachment theory

Poor attachment to caregivers in early life can lead to lack of empathy and social bonding, increasing antisocial behavior risk.

Behavioural theory

Criminal behavior is learned through interactions, reinforcement, and modeling (e.g., Bandura

Cognitive Theory 

Focuses on how people perceive and mentally represent the world; criminal behavior may result from distorted thinking or moral development issues.

How might diet influence criminal behavior?

Poor nutrition, hypoglycemia, or deficiencies can affect mood, aggression, and impulse control.

How can hormones affect crime?

High testosterone and hormonal fluctuations have been linked to aggression and risk-taking.

What neurophysiological factors are associated with antisocial behavior?

Abnormal EEGs, minimal brain dysfunction, low resting heart rates, and impaired frontal lobe functioning.

How do genetics contribute to criminality?

Twin and adoption studies suggest a heritable component, especially for chronic offending.

How does evolutionary theory explain violence?

Aggression and dominance behaviors may have provided adaptive advantages, persisting in modern contexts.

How does psychodynamic theory explain criminality?

Unresolved childhood conflicts, overactive id, or weak superego lead to deviant impulses and moral deficits.

What happens when someone’s superego is underdeveloped?

They may lack guilt or empathy, making rule-breaking easier.

How does attachment theory relate to criminal behavior?

Early attachment failures can lead to emotional detachment, reduced empathy, and increased likelihood of antisocial behavior.

What does behavioral theory suggest about criminal behavior?

It is learned through reinforcement — rewarded behaviors are repeated; punished behaviors are avoided.

How does cognitive theory differ from behavioral theory?

Behavioral focuses on external reinforcement; cognitive focuses on internal thought processes and moral reasoning.

How do trait theories influence crime prevention?

Emphasis on early intervention (e.g., parenting programs, nutrition), mental health treatment, and addressing environmental triggers.

What kinds of programs might be effective under trait theories?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy, hormone regulation, neurological treatment, early childhood support, and family interventions.

How do biosocial theorists view poverty and environment?

Environmental stressors (e.g., toxins, diet, crime exposure) interact with biological traits to produce criminality.

Who developed psychodynamic theory?

Sigmund Freud.

Which theorist is associated with behavioral learning through modeling?

Albert Bandura.

Why might trait theories be controversial?

They risk biological determinism, implying offenders lack free will or responsibility.

How might focusing solely on biology be limiting?

It overlooks social, cultural, and situational factors influencing crime.

Why are biosocial theories increasingly popular today?

Advances in neuroscience and genetics provide new evidence of biological–environmental interactions.

How might a biosocial explanation differ from a rational choice explanation for violent crime?

Biosocial focuses on predispositions (e.g., low self-control, brain function); rational choice focuses on calculated decisions.

Equipotentiality

This is the concepts that individuals are equal at birth but they are influenced by the environment