www.cengage.com/cj/siegel

Larry J. Siegel

Valerie Bell • University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH

Chapter FiveTrait Theory

• Development of Trait Theory– Trait Theory

• The view that criminality is a product of abnormal biological or psychological traits.

– Sociobiology• The view that human behavior is motivated by

inborn biological urges to survive and preserve the species.

– Contemporary Trait Theory

Trait Theory

• Biological Trait Theories– Biochemical Conditions and Crime

• Diet• Hypoglycemia • Hormonal influences

– Androgen – Testosterone

• Premenstrual syndrome• Lead exposure • Environmental contaminants

Trait Theory

• Biological Trait Theories– Neurophysiological Conditions and Crime

• Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder• Brain Chemistry

– Neurotransmitters • Arousal Theory

Trait Theory

• Biological Trait Theories– Genetics and Crime

• Parental deviance• Adoption studies• Twin Behavior

– Monozygotic twins– Dizygotic twins

Trait Theory

• Evolutionary Views of Crime– The Evolution of Gender and Crime

• Survival of the gene pool

Trait Theory

• Evaluation of the Biological Branch of Trait Theory– Problems

• Explaining geographic, social, and temporal patterns in the crime rate

• Explaining existence of crime across differing individuals

Trait Theory

• The Psychological Trait View– The Psychodynamic Perspective

• Id• Ego• Superego

– Attachment Theory

Trait Theory

• The Behavioral Perspective: Social Learning Theory – Behavior Modeling

• Family interactions• Environmental experiences• Mass media

– Social learning

Trait Theory

• Cognitive Theory– Information Processing Theory

• Mental perception• Faulty reasoning

Trait Theory

• Personality and Crime– Hans Eysenck

• Psychoticism, Extraversion, Neuroticism • Extreme extroverts or introverts at risk for

antisocial behavior – Psychopathic Personality

• Antisocial personality

Trait Theory

• Intelligence and Crime– Nature Theory– Nurture Theory– IQ and Criminality

Trait Theory

• Mental Disorders and Crime– Crime and Mental Illness

• Mood disorder• Oppositional defiant disorder• Schizophrenia• Bipolar disorder

Trait Theory

• Social Policy and Trait Theory– Primary Prevention Programs

• Seek to treat personal problems before they manifest as crime

– Secondary Prevention Programs• Provide treatment to youths and adults after they

have violated the law

Trait Theory