The Case of Ted Bundy, Essay Example

Developmental theories help criminologists understand how criminal careers begin, continue, and end. In the case of Ted Bundy, it is apparent that he is unable to handle rejection in a manner that is capable of the average individual. His response to rejection is therefore disproportionate to typical response and therefore can be described using developmental theories in order to explain his horrific crimes. Specifically, Bundy’s behavior can be explained by the self-control theory. This theory explains that delinquent behavior is due to impulsive personality. It is apparent that Bundy’s killings were reactions to events without thought, so it can be said that his actions were impulsive. Furthermore, this can also be understood as a latent trait theory because Bundy likely had anger issues since birth that had not been resolved during his development. As a consequence, these anger problems manifested in a detrimental way during his adulthood. The control balance theory explains the extent to which a person’s surroundings can influence behavior options and exercise control over action. It appears that Bundy lacked the ability to avoid exposures to triggers to his behavior because these triggers were caused by the actions of others. As a consequence, he committed his crimes. Likewise, the differential coercion theory explains that social and psychological forces contribute to the tendency of an individual to commit crime. This theory can use information about Bundy’s past to gain a greater understanding of his social and mental life during development to understand his criminal behavior. Since he was exposed to negative social conditioning at a young age, he was unable to refine his behaviors. We therefore see his erratic actions, in part, in the form of criminal activity.