Psychological Theories, Essay Example

Sigmund Freud and Burrhus Skinner have developed psychological theories, which support the idea that there was a certain connection between the environment people live in and crimes. Sigmund Freud believed that those people who do not receive enough love and attention from their parents usually become criminals. Burrhus Skinner thought, “criminal behavior was acquired and retained if people experience rewards from it, and it is abandoned if they experience punishments”. (Law Library, 2009) Based on Freud’s and Skinner’s works, several theories have been developed that people with mental illnesses or psychological disorders are disposed to committing crimes.

These theories had certain influence on criminology in 1960s as mentally ill people were put to prison if the special committee decided that whey were dangerous. Though the situation has changed a lot, mental disorders are considered to be weighty argument to isolate person. “It is not entirely clear whether this personality disorder is a cause of crime or whether the term “antisocial personality disorder” is just a fancy label that psychiatrists use to describe people who are criminals.” (Law Library, 2009) However, there is enough evidence to state that psychological theories have certain influence in contemporary criminology.

References

Law Library. (2009). Criminology: Intellectual History – Psychological Theories. Retrieved May 8, 2009 from http:/ /law.jrank.org/pages/912/Criminology-Intellectual-History-Psychological-theories.html.