forensic psych exam 3

Juvenile delinquency

Illegal or antisocial behavior by minors

Conduct disorder (CD)

A pattern of repetitive behavior in which the basic rights of others or major age-appropriate norms are violated

Antisocial personality disorder (APD)

A disorder characterized by a persistent pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others, lack of remorse, and impulsivity

Executive function (EF)

Mental processes that include working memory, cognitive flexibility, and inhibitory control used for self-regulation

Working memory

The ability to hold and manipulate information in the mind over short periods of time

Cognitive flexibility

The ability to switch perspectives or adapt behavior in response to changing goals or environmental stimuli

Inhibitory control

The ability to control impulses and resist temptations

Self-regulation

The ability to manage one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors effectively in different situations

Life-course persistent offenders

Individuals who begin showing antisocial behavior early in life and continue into adulthood

Adolescent-limited offenders

Individuals whose antisocial behavior begins and ends during adolescence

Dual-systems model

A theory proposing that adolescent risk-taking is due to the imbalance between a more developed socioemotional system and a less developed cognitive control system

Socioemotional system

The brain system involved in reward processing and emotional responses that develops rapidly during adolescence

Cognitive control system

The brain system responsible for self-regulation and decision-making that develops more slowly

Risk-taking behavior

Engaging in behaviors that expose an individual to potential harm or danger

Peer influence

The effect that peers have on an individual’s attitudes, values, or behavior, especially strong during adolescence

Deviance

The engagement in behaviors that violate social norms or rules

Aggression

Behavior intended to harm another individual physically or psychologically

Reactive aggression

Impulsive, angry responses to perceived threats or frustration

Proactive aggression

Deliberate and goal-oriented behavior used to achieve a desired outcome

Callous-unemotional traits

Characteristics such as lack of empathy, guilt, or emotional expression

Moral development

The process through which individuals develop a sense of right and wrong

Prefrontal cortex

The part of the brain associated with decision-making, impulse control, and reasoning

Amygdala

A brain structure involved in processing emotions such as fear and aggression

Reward sensitivity

Increased responsiveness to rewards, especially during adolescence

Impulse control

The ability to resist immediate urges in favor of long-term goals

Environmental risk factors

External influences such as poverty, family conflict, or exposure to violence that increase likelihood of delinquency

Protective factors

Conditions or attributes that reduce the likelihood of negative outcomes or delinquent behavior