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Chapter 5: Trait Theory: It's in Their Blood

Introduction to Criminology

• Overview of criminology as a field of study

• Key theorists and their contributions to the development of criminology

• Major theoretical perspectives within criminology

• Subareas of criminology

Learning Objectives

• Describe the field of study of criminology

• Identify key theorists in criminology

• Summarize major theoretical perspectives in criminology

• Understand subareas constituting criminology

Trait Theory

• Definition: Criminality stems from abnormal biological and/or psychological traits.

• Indicates an overlap and unique characteristics between biological and psychological views.

The Development of Trait Theory

• Foundational Figure: Cesare Lombroso's early work

• Sociobiology Theory by Edmund Wilson

  • Explores the impact of biological and genetic conditions on social behavior.

  • Distinguishes personal traits between deviant and nondeviant individuals.

  • Clarifies reasons why some individuals commit crimes while others do not.

Contemporary Trait Theory

• Recognizes each offender as physically and mentally unique.

• Highlights that no single attribute explains criminality.

• Crime results from the interaction between:

  • Personal traits (defective intelligence, impulsive personality, abnormal brain chemistry)

  • Environmental factors (family life, education, socioeconomic status, neighborhood conditions)

• Development and Influence of Traits:

  • Some traits develop at birth or shortly after, affecting social functioning and behavior choices.

  • Environmental stimuli can support or suppress antisocial behavior.

  • Growing popularity among criminologists in studying recidivism.

Biological Trait Theories

• Focuses on biological conditions controlling behavior.

• Biosocial criminologists study the interface of biology and social context.

Biochemical Conditions and Crime

• Influences on Antisocial Behavior

  • Biochemical factors can be genetic or influenced by diet/environment.

  • The case of the “Twinkie Defense” (1979) illustrates this concept.

  • Chemical/Mineral Influences:

    • Essential minerals/chemicals are necessary for normal brain function.

    • Deficiencies can lead to:

      • Depression

      • Mania

      • Cognitive problems

      • Memory loss

      • Abnormal sexual activities

• Hormonal Influences:

  • Males generally exhibit more aggression due to gender-based hormonal differences.

  • High hormone levels can lead to:

    • Thrill-seeking behavior

    • Impulsivity

    • Antisocial emotions

  • Link between testosterone levels and criminality.

• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS):

  • Controversy regarding the relationship between PMS and aggression.

  • Some studies suggest increased aggression around menstruation.

• Environmental Contaminants:

  • Dangerous levels of contaminants can negatively affect behavior and emotional health.

    • Food dyes related to antisocial behavior.

Neurophysiological Conditions and Crime

• Neurophysiology: Examines the neurobiological basis of criminal behavior.

• ADHD:

  • Characterized by impulsivity and hyperactivity.

  • Associated with educational challenges and increased delinquency.

• Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD):

  • Linked to alcohol consumption during pregnancy, resulting in various behavioral issues and ties to crime.

• Acquired Brain Injury (ABI):

  • Advances in technology have illuminated ABI's links to behavioral problems, sometimes affecting legal perceptions.

• Brain Chemistry:

  • Neurotransmitter imbalance linked to aggression, such as low MAO-A levels.

• Arousal Therapy:

  • Focuses on different arousal levels in criminal behavior.

  • Sensation seekers require high stimuli for comfort.

Genetics and Crime

• Human Traits: Criminality has genetic ties, as seen in studies on familial behavior and chromosomal abnormalities (e.g., Richard Speck's XYY chromosome).

• Parental Deviance:

  • Link between parental criminality and offspring delinquency demonstrated in studies such as West & Farrington.

• Twin Studies:

  • Comparison of MZ to DZ twins reveals discrepancies in crime and behavior patterns.

• Adoption Studies:

  • Research indicates the influence of biological parents' behavior on their children, even without contact.

Evolutionary Views of Crime

• Evolutionary Perspective: Violence/aggression traits are perceived as evolutionary advantages in early human behavior.

• Differences in Gender and Crime:

  • Mating strategies led to higher reproduction rates in aggressive males.

• Cheater Theory: Antisocial behavior linked to men with low parental investment traits.

Psychological Trait Theories

• Examines the relationship between intelligence, personality types, and criminal behavior.

The Psychodynamic Perspective

• Sigmund Freud's Theory:

  • Emphasizes unconscious processes from childhood shaping personality.

• Interaction of the Id, Ego, and Superego influences behavior and criminality.

Behavioral Perspective

• Behavior Theory: Human behavior shapes through experiences.

• Operant conditioning and social learning influence aggressive behavior.

• Modeling: Behavior learned through influential figures and media.This process highlights the importance of understanding the environment and context in which individuals develop their behaviors, as both positive and negative behaviors can be reinforced through observation and imitation. This underscores the need for effective role models and positive reinforcement in various social settings, such as schools and communities, to promote healthier behavioral outcomes.

• Operant Conditioning: Positive reinforcement can encourage certain behaviors while negative reinforcement or punishment may deter them.

• Social Learning: Aggressive behavior can be learned by observing others, particularly through influential figures such as family, peers, or media representations. Children imitate behaviors seen in their environment, which can lead to the development of similar patterns in behavior.

• Modeling: Children who witness violent or criminal behavior are more likely to replicate these actions, especially if they see that these behaviors lead to rewards or successful outcomes for the perpetrator.

• Desensitization: Repeated exposure to violence can lead to a diminished emotional response, making individuals more likely to engage in aggressive acts without feeling remorse.

• Contingency Management: A therapeutic approach that uses reinforcement strategies to modify behavior, often used in treatment programs aimed at reducing criminal behavior.

Cognitive Perspective

• Cognitive Theory: Focuses on mental processes behind behavioral responses.

• Information-processing Theory: Explores how aggression can stem from improper learning responses.

Personality and Crime Perspective

• Examines links between personality traits, such as impulsivity and aggression, and criminal behavior.

Intelligence and Crime Perspective

• Debate on IQ: Relationship between intelligence, environment, and criminality, with ongoing discussions about the significance of IQ.

Mental Disorders and Crime

• Connection between serious mental disorders and potential for violence, especially when coupled with substance abuse.

Evaluation of Psychological Trait Theory

• The impact of trait theory research on treatment programs versus the criticism it faces regarding study contradictions.