Forensic psychology: theories of crime

Sheldon’s constitutional theory 1949

crime is from somatype - endomorphs are jolly, ectomorphs are introverted, mesomorphs are bold/aggressive

Dyscontrol theory 1970

lesions in temporal lobe and limbic system lead to physical violence

Biological theories include

Sheldon’s constitutional theory, dyscontrol theory

strain theory 1938

disadvantaged people resort to crime to obtain goals

differential association theory

crime arises through learned behaviours from social interactions

labelling theory

crime arises through the need/gratification of being labelled a criminal

sociological theories include

strain theory, differential association theory, labelling theory

psychological theories include

biosocial theory of crime, social learning theory, general theory of crime

Biosocial theory of crime

Eysenck - extraverts/neurotics don’t learn from mistakes and consequences 

social learning theory

crime arises from observation of role models and perceived rewards

General theory of crime

crime arises rom low self control and criminal opportunity

Developmental life course theory of crime Mofitt

adolescent vs life course persistent offenders