Unit 7 - Applications of Criminal and Forensic Psychology
Institution
PEARSON (PEARSON)
A compilation of notes for the non-biological explanations for criminality in section one of the forensic and criminal psychology exam paper. These are condensed notes and further revision should be applied for best results
Unit 7 - Applications of Criminal and Forensic Psychology
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PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL
LEARNING APPROACHES
1. EYSENCK
Eysenck’s theory of the criminal personality can be measured in two dimensions’
extraversion-introversion and neuroticism-stability (later added was psychoticism-
normality). Each trait has a biological basis and 67% of the variance for the traits is
due to genetic factors
A. Extraversion – Introversion
Extraversions tend to seek external stimulation to increase cortical arousal. They are
sociable and find themselves comfortable in group settings; they are more likely to
engage in dangerous activities to increase arousal due to their low levels of cortical
arousal. Introverts are innately over-aroused and seek to avoid arousal. They are
usually shy and uncomfortable in social situations; they are unlikely to commit
violent crimes.
B. Neuroticism – Stability
Neuroticism relates to the sympathetic nervous system. A neurotic person is
unstable and gets easily upset, they are pessimists who experience elevated levels of
stress and anxiety and often feel unable to cope with stressors. They are also
characterised by perfectionism with a tendency to feel dissatisfied/frustrated with
others when their desires are not fulfilled, or their expectations are not met.
Neurotics are unstable and may overreact to situations of threat. Individuals who
score low on the neuroticism scale will be more emotionally stable and an ability to
cope and remain calm in stressful/demanding situations.
C. Psychoticism – Normality
Psychoticism was a later addition to Eysenck's P.E.N model. Psychotic individuals
are more likely to engage in irresponsible or miscalculated behaviour. Those with
many psychoticism traits are less responsive to conditioning and therefore do not
adopt social norms learnt through reward and punishment. According to the theory
these individuals are prone to criminal behaviour as they seek to fulfil their own
interests with a lack of empathy for others, they are also aggressive. It was
suggested that there was a biological influence as it was correlated with high levels
of testosterone. The other side of the spectrum is normality or the so called ‘normal’
population.
D. Procedure
, i. Eysenck developed a personality questionnaire the EPQ and a personality
inventory EPI which he used on 2070 male prisoners scored on the EPI
compared with 2422 male controls
E. Results
i. The male prisoners scored higher on the extraversion, neuroticism, and
psychoticism which was predicated
F. Strengths and Limitations
i. Limitation – Eysenck did not consider social or cultural factors that influence
personality, he also did not look in detail at the in-between personalities
such as ambiverts
ii. Strengths – He was the first to look at the biological perspective of
personality, and to organise them based on traits that can be applied to both
criminals and the general population
2. PERSONALITY DISORDERS
Personality disorders can be used to explain irrational or erratic behaviors
displayed by individuals and can be used to partially explain why those individuals
have committed their crimes.
A. Narcissistic - NPD
Narcissistic personality disorder is a condition in which the individual has an inflated
sense of their own importance. They seek attention and admiration with a façade of
confidence and lack of empathy for others. This causes significant trouble when
developing relationships in most social situations and may cause feelings of
disappointment when they’re not the center of attention. Narcissists are self-absorbed
and have feelings of entitlement. Many studies suggest that narcissists are more likely to
commit sexual offences, be more aggressive and take more risks as they believe that
they won’t be caught.
B. Antisocial - ASPD
Antisocial personality disorder, sometimes referred to as sociopathy, is a mental
disorder that presents through consistent disregard for others' feelings and blatant
ignoring of laws/rules. They tend to be manipulative, impulsive, aggressive, and reckless
to the safety of themselves and others. The disorder usually begins to develop in early
childhood to adolescence. ASPD is a common trait among criminals due to their
impulsiveness, aggression, and lack of remorse. This personality disorder can be
worsened/a contributing factor in substance abuse.
C. Paranoid - PPD
Paranoid personality disorder is a condition that is characterized by paranoia, a deep
and relentless mistrust and suspicion of others with no reason to be. They tend to be
hypersensitive during social interactions and can come across as hostile. The disorder is
thought to be caused by a mixture of environmental circumstances, previous traumatic
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