Delinquecy_Theories

Psychological Theories of Delinquency – I agree that the essential cause for delinquency is psychological. As a result I will be comparing two psychological perspectives Psychodynamic and Behavioral, I do not agree with the Cognitive Theory so I will not be comparing that perspective. Psychodynamic Theory – Human personality is controlled by unconscious mental processes developed early in childhood. I agree that traumatic events that occur during childhood will help shape who they will become in adulthood. Ex: If a young boy watches his father abuse his mother he will be likely to do the same to his partner as an adult. I also believe that the unconscious part of the personality is also a large influence on delinquent behavior. Ex: If a child is born with ADHD then they would be more likely to act out without reason or intent. Behavioral Theory – Delinquency is caused by observable behavior rather than unconscious processes, with a focus on stimuli and responses to them. I agree that Personality is learned throughout life during interactions with others. Children are like sponges and they are always observing others, especially their role models. I believe that if behavior is influenced and enforced than it will most likely be learned. Although I do not necessarily agree that if a behavior is punished than it will be avoided. Personally, if I was punished for doing something I would most likely repeat the act a number of times despite the punishment. Punishment works for some children, but not for all. I also agree that if a child continuously hears their parents using fowl language, but are told not swear the child will probably pick up a bad habbit of using swear words because those words were drilled into their heads. A childs environment is a huge influence on how they will act and who they will become as an adult. I agree with both of these theories, but I also disagree with certain beliefs within them. Unfortunately everyone is different and no one theory can accurately answer ‘why kids do what they do’. But out of all of the delinquency theories, I must say that the Psychodynamic and Behavioral Theories make the most sense.