This essay explores the nature vs nurture debate with reference to the James Bulger case, and an exploration of the lives and backgrounds of the murderous boys.
A critical discussion and evaluation of which attachment and social learning
theory can help explain murder by children, and how psychological theory and
research of interviewing children can assist in the investigation of Jon Venables
and Robert Thompson.
Children who kill are often depicted as “born evil” or a fault of their parents, however, the
socialisation and attachment of these child murders must also be considered to holistically
understand why children may murder. This essay will critically discuss and evaluate
attachment and social learning theories as an explanation of murder by children, and
psychological research of interviewing children. The murder of James Bulger by ten-year-
olds Robert Thompson and Jon Venables will be used as a case study throughout to explore
murders by children, and how psychological theory of interviewing children may assist in this
case.
The murder of James Bulger by Jon Venables and Robert Thompson
On February 12th 1993, Venables and Thompson abducted two-year-old Bulger in Bootle’s
Strand shopping centre, and brutally battered and murdered him; he sustained a total of 42
injuries (Crime and Investigation, 2023). Venables and Thompson were later arrested and
sentenced to seven years and eight months in separate secure children's care centres.
, Enya Jeffs 3721 words
30013282
Part 1
Developmental and behaviourist psychological theories imply that criminality and violence
are learnt behaviours, and a result of poor attachments and socialisation. Within this chapter,
social learning and attachment theories will be explored as explanations for murder by
children. This essay will focus on the holistic situation of Venables and Thompson at the time
of Bulger’s murder.
Social Learning Theory
Albert Bandura’s social learning theory (1977) identifies the influence of observational
learning and modelling on behaviour. Individuals will pay attention to behaviours and
consequences which they encounter to internalise and imitate. Bandura demonstrates that
aggression in children can be vicariously reinforced; children view others exhibiting
aggression with no negative consequence (Bandura, 1977).
Bandura’s social learning theory regarding aggression is further illustrated in the Bobo doll
experiment (Bandura, Ross & Ross, 1961). This experiment illustrates observational learning
through the imitation of aggressive behaviour after it is exhibited by a model, however, its
low ecological validity must be considered. Seventy-two children were split into groups with
a model and a Bobo doll, and whilst they played the model either demonstrated aggressive or
non-aggressive behaviour towards the doll. The children were then put into a room containing
aggressive and non-aggressive toys; the children that observed their model demonstrating
physical and verbal aggression displayed significantly more aggression than those that did
not. This displays aggressive social learning through modelling and observation.
Social learning theory can be applied in an attempt to theorise and explain the murderous
behaviour of Venables and Thompson. Thompson and his family experienced severe sexual
and physical abuse from his father, and the bullying and violence were continued by his
brothers after he had left (Crime and Investigation, 2023). Thompson’s direct observation and
experience of abuse within the home vicariously reinforces and internalises violent and
aggressive behaviour within him. Moreover, the aggressive behaviours of his brothers also
imply their internalisation of the father's violence. The internalisation of his father’s
behaviour, as well as the idea of an ‘age-based hierarchy’ between Thompson and his older
brothers, may explain his abusive and dominating behaviour towards two-year-old Bulger.
Thompson’s abusive and threatening actions towards Bulger are the consequence of the
violence he faced himself. Contrarily, Venables did not suffer abuse at home however his
parents were separated (Crime and Investigation, 2023). The estrangement of his parents may
indicate conflict within the home and imply that Venables may have witnessed family
disputes and aggression, further reinforcing social learning theory as an explanation for his
homicidal behaviour.
Social learning theory (Bandura, 1977) exhibits violence as learnt behaviour through
observation and modelling, therefore implying that witnessing violence at home will result in
aggressive behaviour. Adams (2006) supports this theory, in which they suggest that children
who had witnessed family violence demonstrated more overt anger and aggressiveness than
children who did not, implying that the observation of violence at home may predispose
violence in children. Marrone (2014) identifies that marital conflicts within the home
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller erajeffs. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for £10.49. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
