Larry J. Siegel Valerie Bell University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH Chapter Five Trait 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