individualistic theories Flashcards
What does the term ‘cognition’ refer to?
Thinking and mental processes such as attitudes, beliefs, reasoning, problem solving, decision-making, self-concept, and interpretation of the world.
How do cognitive theories explain behavior?
Cognitive theories argue that mental processes shape behavior, influencing how individuals interpret situations and respond to them.
What effect do thought processes have on emotions?
Thought processes affect emotions; for example, interpreting a situation as threatening may trigger feelings of fear or anger.
What is the key idea of criminal personality theory?
Criminals exhibit a range of errors and biases in thinking and decision-making, leading to a higher likelihood of committing crime.
Who are the psychologists associated with the criminal personality theory?
Yochesson and Samenow.
What are some examples of thinking errors in criminals?
- Lying
- Secretiveness
- Need for power and control
- Super-optimism
- Failure to understand others’ positions
- Lack of trust in others
- Uniqueness (feeling special)
- Victim stance (blaming others)
What does Kohlberg’s moral development theory describe?
It describes how moral thinking develops through levels and stages from childhood to adulthood.
What characterizes the pre-conventional or pre-moral level of moral development?
Young children define right and wrong in terms of punishment or reward.
How does moral development relate to criminal behavior according to Kohlberg?
Criminals are likely to have a less mature moral development, thinking only in terms of rewards or punishments rather than considering the effects on others.
What is cognitive behavioral therapy?
A range of treatments for offenders based on cognitive theories that view delinquents’ thought patterns as different from those of normal people.
True or False: Cognitive theories suggest that all individuals have the same thought processes.
False
Fill in the blank: The criminal personality theory is based on a long-term study of _______ male offenders.
240
Who developed a theory of criminality based on personality?
Hans Eysenck
Eysenck’s theory links personality traits to criminal behavior.
What are the two main dimensions of personality according to Eysenck?
Extroversion versus Introversion and Neuroticism versus Emotional Stability
These dimensions help categorize personality types.
What combination of personality traits is likely to lead to criminality?
High extroversion and high neuroticism
Criminals tend to score high on both dimensions.
Describe extroverted personalities according to Eysenck.
Outgoing, sociable, impulsive, care-free, optimistic, often aggressive, short-tempered, and unreliable
These traits contribute to impulsive behaviors.
Describe introverted personalities according to Eysenck.
Reserved, inward looking, thoughtful, serious, quiet, self-controlled, pessimistic, and reliable
Introverts tend to be more stable and less impulsive.
What characterizes neurotic personalities?
Anxious, moody, often depressed, and prone to overreacting
Neurotics struggle with emotional regulation.
What characterizes emotionally stable personalities?
Calm, even-tempered, controlled, and unworried
These traits help in adhering to societal norms.
How do extroverts seek stimulation?
By constantly seeking excitement from their environment
This can lead to impulsive and rule-breaking behavior.
What is the role of neuroticism in following societal rules?
High anxiety levels prevent learning from punishments
Neurotics may not adapt their behavior based on consequences.
What is the third dimension Eysenck added to his personality theory?
Psychoticism
This dimension relates to traits like cruelty and aggression.
What traits are associated with high psychoticism scores?
Solitary, cruel, insensitive, aggressive, and lacking in empathy
High psychoticism is linked to criminal behavior.
What two ideas did Eysenck draw on to explain his findings?
Conditioning and genetic inheritance
These concepts help explain the development of criminal personalities.
