Problem Behavior Syndrome, Essay Example

Introduction

Anti-social behavior is essentially a trait of rebellion where a person rejects against the rules of society.  The behaviour often causes distress to one or more other members of society. It can often be borderline criminal behaviour.  For example, hurling verbal abuse at someone,  shouting in public so as to create a disturbance, sexual or racial harassment, getting drunk and being aggressive.  Very often people possess a cluster of the behavioural traits. (Brown, A.P. 2004)

Case Study

Person designated ‘A’ came from a poor family background and was abused by his parents. He was frequently beaten and scolded.  This resulted in ‘A’ developing  a range of anti-social behaviours  that resulted in the development of a criminal history.  In the first instances he formed a gang of likeminded individuals and they frequently indulged in drink sessions that resulted in acts of vandalism, verbal abuse to other people, intimidating people and ultimately acts of violence that resulted in assault charges.

The anti-social behaviours fell into the following cluster of problems:

• Vandalism –  Roaming around committing unwarranted acts of vandalism i.e. breaking shop windows, scratching automobiles with sharp implements,  placing graffiti on private property.  This essentially seemed to be a way of striking back at society and breaking the law;
• Intimidation –  Threatening young girls, acts of bullying and being aggressive towards elderly and disabled people.  Often rowdy behaviour in groups shouting and swearing at people;
• Public nuisance – Including urinating in the streets, dumping garbage on private property etc.;
• Violence – Often a bi-product of drinking and drug sessions, initially started off as threatening behaviour but ultimately led to acts of robbery with assault that resulted in criminal conviction.

Conclusion

Anti-social behaviour is often linked to environment, family background and psychological conditions.  Treatment is via early intervention and placement upon rehabilitation programs that both educate and reverse environmental conditioning. (Clarke, D. 2003)

References

Brown, A. P. (2004). Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime Control and Social Control. The Howard Journal of Criminal Justice Vol 43(2), 203-211.

Clarke, D. (2003). Pro- and Anti-Social Behaviour. New York : Routledge.