Juvenile delinquency occurs in a situation where a minor commits a crime. Rehabilitation procedures for juveniles are different from those that are applied to adults. Psychological Point view of Juvenile Delinquency states that Juvenile delinquency has a psychological explanation. After all, many delinquent behaviors like sexual misconduct, violence, theft are mental problems. According to psychologists, a significant number of delinquent youths have conflicts with the authorities, destructive relationships with peers, neighbors and even the family. These messy relationships portray a disturbed personality structure (Hirschi, 2017). A significant number of studies on incarcerated youths have also indicated that their personalities have been marked with antisocial and negative behaviors. Given that this problem occurs in every walks of life; ethnic, socioeconomic group and race, psychologists points outs that it emanates from mental and emotional disturbances rather than resulting from racism, class conflict, and poverty. Juvenile delinquency is categorized into two; repeat offender and age-specific offender. A repeat offender is a person exhibiting aggressive behavior starting from the adolescent stage up to adulthood. On the other hand, age-specific offender refers to individuals who portray juvenile characteristics only at the teenage stage. Low intelligence, delayed gratification, impulsiveness, aggression, restlessness, and lack of empathy are the psychological contributing risk factors for juvenile delinquency.
Other factors portrayed during childhood include lack of emotional control, aggressiveness, language impairment and cruelty on animals. An understanding of juvenile delinquency relies on explanations from various psychological theories and findings availed by research. Parenting is also a significant contributing factor to this disorder (Moffitt, 2017).
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For instance, parental supervision, harsh punishment, parental separation, criminal parents, parental neglect ignites the offending traits among the youths. Children developing this disorder early in life are likely to continue offending even when they grow up. Studies also indicate that children raised by single parents are more likely to be offenders than those raised by both parents. The psychodynamic, behavioral and cognitive theories are significant in explaining the causes of juvenile delinquency. This paper aims at fostering an understanding of juvenile delinquency through psychological theories and research.
Psychodynamic theory
The psychodynamic theory, developed by Sigmund Freud, states that law violations are as a result of abnormal personality structures acquired in early life and controls human behavior and choices after that. This theory is anchored on the belief that human actions are controlled by the unconscious mental processes developed in early stages of life. Sigmund further acknowledges that the human personality consists of three major elements; the id which is primitive, unrestrained pleasure seeking component which a child is born with. The ego which develops after the individual faces the realities of life. The ego helps in restraining the id against the need for immediate gratification. The superego develops later as the individual interacts with significant people like parents and role models. The superego enables a person to improve their conscience and moral rules upheld by most adults. Freud states that the unconscious motivation for behaviors comes from the actions of the id when responding to two basic needs; sex and aggression. The three components of personality work simultaneously; the id dictates desires and needs, the ego restrains evaluates reality and validity of the ids actions, and finally, the superego instills the feeling of righteousness and morality. An individual will lead a good life when the three components are appropriately balanced. Consequently, a person exhibits abnormal personality traits when one element becomes dominant than the others. Over time, Psychologists have been using Freud's psychodynamic theory in explaining antisocial behavior (Hirschi, 2017).
Erik Erikson for example, alleges that teenagers experience a crisis in which they feel compulsivity, emotional and they are uncertain of their purpose and roles in life. They go through an identity crisis; which is a period where they have inner turmoil and confusion. Erik uses this model to explain the situation of youths abusing drugs, their excitement over their roles in society and their dependency on others to address their crises (Thompson et al., 2016).
On the other hand, Augustine Aichom confirms that juvenile delinquency cannot be solely blamed for social stress alone. He identified several delinquent youths who adopted this disorder through family-related issues. They seek immediate gratification not putting in mind if it is right or wrong. In an extreme form, delinquency is viewed as a psychosis preventing emotional youths from appreciating their impulsive needs for gratification (Patterson et al., 2017).
Application of psychodynamic theory to Juvenile Delinquency
The psychodynamic theory, concerning juvenile crime, holds that delinquency is a resultant of the unresolved internal and mental anguish. Children who have been mistreated or abused will experience unconscious feelings like fear, hatred, and resentment. These children regress to a stage where the id dominates them if this conflict is not resolved. Delinquents are individuals controlled by the id, and they are unable to manage their impulsive drives. Given that they could not be given love and care or they had troubled relationships in their childhood, they have weak egos that derail them from coping with conventional societal needs. This theory emphasizes the role of families in raising upright children. Neglectful parenting increases the chances of the child being dominated by the id. The absence of the superego also affects teenagers as they shall not be able to distinguish what is good and evil (Patterson et al., 2017).
Behavioral Theory
The behavioral theory asserts that personality is learned throughout life employing interactions. Based on the studies of John Watson and B.F Skinner, the behavioral approach focuses only on the measurable events and not the unseen psychic phenomena held by psychoanalysts. According to this theory, the behavior is learned by observing how their models react to different situations. More so, a behavior is triggered by changes in the environment or stimuli (Thornberry, 2018). Action is repeated, continued and eventually learned if it is reinforced with a positive reaction or event. It is also critical to note that behaviors that are punished or not reinforced become extinct. For instance, when children are given presents like sweets for eating their food, they will eventually develop a habit of eating a whole meal. Consequently, if they are punished for individual behavior, they will subsequently disown those acts associated with disapproval.
Social Learning Theory
Not all behaviorists subscribe to Skinner and Watson model. Some believe that a person's social experiences, learning, and expectations, and values determine behaviors. Albert Bandura, Richard Walters, and Walter Mischel, the most learned social learning proponents allege that behaviors of children are molded by reactions they get from other people; positive or adverse reactions. They learn the behavior of adults they are in close contact with; behaviors they view on movies and television. If children see an aggressive behavior like punching or slapping rewarded, they are likely to acquire that behavior and be confident that those behaviors will bring rewards. In short, children raised in chaotic families will believe that violent behaviors are excellent and rewarding. Children will uphold this behavior even if they are told not to or even punished. Juvenile delinquency is a resultant of a child's anger, and frustrations acquired when parents hold back nurturing, affection and provision of good role models (Thornberry, 2018).
Cognitive theory
This theory pioneered by Jean Piaget, Wilhelm Wundt, Edward Titchener, and William James, focuses on mental processes in explaining juvenile delinquency. This theory entails the manner in which people mentally represent situations around them and perceive and how they work out their problems. This perspective affects several subgroups, but perhaps the most significant to the study of delinquency is the intellectual and moral development branch; a branch which is concerned with ways through which people reason and perceive the world. Jean Piaget observes that reasoning process develops in an orderly manner, from childbirth up to maturity. To qualify this view, Piaget argues that during the sensory stage, children respond to stimuli like merely manipulating exciting objects as well as developing their reflexes (Siegel & Welsh, 2014). At the formal operational stage, the fourth and final stage, they have matured, and they can use logic and abstract thoughts. Piaget also suggests that individuals travel through moral development stages, where the basis for ethical and moral decision making changes.
Information Processing Theory
This theory explains delinquency by means of analyzing data and perception. According to this theory, people engage cognitive thought processes when making decisions. At the first stage, information is encoded for purposes of interpretation. The second stage involves searching for proper responses and deciding upon the most appropriate actions. The final stage is acting on the decision made. According to this theory, the adolescents who avoid antisocial behaviors are those who make reasoned judgments, use information properly, make quick and reasoned judgments when facing emotional situations. In contrast, delinquent youths have problems using information correctly when making decisions (Thornberry, 2018). They cannot make sound decisions under stressing moments because they still rely on 'mental scripts' acquired during childhood that dictates their expectations and reactions to stressful environments. Violent adolescents may have acquired improper scripts by imitating their parent's inappropriate and aggressive behaviors. Some delinquent children had early and prolonged exposures to violent situations like child abuse, fighting, mockery. These experiences increase the child's sensitivity to maltreatment and teasing. Most times, they misinterpret behavioral cues as their decision making was affected by traumatic events at childhood.
Oversensitivity exhibited by delinquent youths after being rejected by their friends is a continuation of the rejection sensitivity directed to them by parents. Violence becomes a way of life for these children as they keep on rehearsing the aggression scripts as they mature. They view crime as an appropriate means of satisfying their needs. Delinquent personalities have a perception that the world is filled with aggressive people. These children are overassertive, and they overreact to the slightest provocation. As they mature, children use fewer cues compared to other people when processing information. Adolescents using violence as a means for coping are likely to portray other social problems such as alcohol and drug abuse. Studies have also revealed that there is much likelihood of delinquent children exhibiting cognitive deficits than their no delinquent counterparts. For instance, they tend to have no sense of time making them incapable of solving problems effectively (Shoemaker, 2018).
Personality and crime
Personality is something that makes us what we are and unique from others. Ideally, a person's personality is stable over time. Studies contacted on the contribution of personality to criminal activities have always yielded inconsistent results (Shoemaker, 2018). The Big Five theory is the most known theory known to have been used in examining the relationship between personality and delinquency. This theory has an elaborate structure in which a variety of personality traits can be categorized. According to this theory, the Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness, Agreeable and Conscience domains are responsible for differences in personalities.
People scoring low on the Neuroticism are described as being even-tempered, relaxed and calm. The Extraversion domain is characterized by excitement, sociability, and stimulation. People scoring high in this domain are talkative, active and assertive. They also portray a sense of optimism for their future. In contrast, introverts are shy, independent and reserved (Reiman et al., 2015). The Openness domain consists of individuals who have a strong feeling for their inner feelings, they find gratification in beauty, have active imaginations, have a keener eye to variety, and they are also intellectually curious. This domain consists of individuals who are excited by new ideas, they maintain unconventional values, and they can manage both negative and positive emotions compared to their close-minded individuals. In contrast, people scoring low in Openness behave in conventional ways, they prefer familiar ways, and they have a conservative viewpoint. Individuals scoring high in the Agreeable domain are perceived to be altruistic, warm, forgiving, trusting and sympathetic (Thornberry, 2018). Those who are not agreeable tend to be intolerant, hard-hearted, argumentative and impatient. Lastly, the Conscientiousness domain focuses on the abilities of people in exercising self-control as well as controlling impulses. Individuals scoring high in this domain are said to be thorough, efficient, organized, and strong-willed and determined. In addition to that, individuals in this domain achieve high academic and occupational goals. Those scoring low in this domain are lazy, careless and they blame others for their faults. Studies have discovered that personality characteristics of hostility, narcissism, and impulsivity correlate with criminal and delinquent behavior. Psychologists have identified that the extraversion and neuroticism personality traits cause antisocial behavior exhibited by delinquent youths.
Neuroticism individuals exhibit self-destructive behaviors like alcoholism, abusing drugs and committing crimes. They also have unstable relationships, they are risk-takers, and they are impulsive, egocentric, forceful, and manipulative, have shallow emotions and are cold-hearted. The origin of this disorder may be neurological disorders, socialization and brain abnormalities. Other contributing factors range from childhood traumatic events, inconsistent discipline, and pathological tendencies. For many years, criminologists have held an idea that there is a link between crime and intelligence. For this reason, therefore, low intelligence levels are the root causes of crime and juvenile delinquency (Sykes & Matza, 2017).
Interview findings for the treatment of Juvenile Delinquency
I booked an appointment with the psychiatrist who is based at our local clinic. Dr. Martha gave me first-hand information on the possible ways of treating juvenile delinquency among the youth. To begin with, she says that the rehabilitation process of delinquent youths heavily relies on a clinical program aided by experts like psychologists, social workers, and child psychiatrists. Most delinquent children are best corrected and rehabilitated through psychotherapy, thereby modifying their values, attitudes, and behaviors rather than taking them in juvenile schools where there is inadequate mental health services or none at all. A clinical model is appropriate as it helps in investigating selected cases for study and treatment. It also helps in revealing unfulfilled needs of delinquent children. Clinics are also important, especially when identifying pre delinquents.
Dr. Martha also argues that flexibility, availability of residential treatment centers together with the intervention of health professionals are vital requirements in managing delinquent behavior. This environment is also conducive for juvenile courts to exercise its duty of rehabilitating delinquent youths. No court has the intention of removing delinquent youths from their homes even when the child is unruly, adjudicated dependent or neglected.
Also important to note is that excellent psychotherapeutic services ought to be given to juveniles if we intend to reduce the juvenile crime rate and even future crimes. Dr. Martha acknowledges that it is sad that in some cases, judges and psychiatrists have avoided, neglected or ignored their duty towards the less affluent youths incriminated in the juvenile justice system. She insists that such neglect should stop if we want to prevent future crimes in the society.
She also acknowledges the significance of mental hygiene in preventing and treating juvenile delinquency. When raising a mentally adjusted youth, psychological conflicts and disturbances should be treated using mental therapy. Mental therapy also enables the child to develop high sentiments and values that are essential in preventing delinquency behaviors.
Dr. Martha also suggests that the removal of inferiority complexion such as fear and anxiety, that responsible for making a child to commit a crime is also of great significance. Children need to be supported in becoming confident and adopting a good character. Discouragements and ridicule make them regress in their former habits.
She also insists on the importance of recreational activities in checking and managing delinquency behaviors. Recreational programs such as singing, dancing, music, art, karate, and others should be formulated to enable youths to interact with their peers and form friendly relationships. These interactions help these children in developing their personalities and self-confidence.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there is a tangible relationship between psychology and criminal behavior. For centuries, scholars have attempted to explain the genesis of criminality. This paper has examined the significance of the psychodynamic theory in nurturing behavior. In this theory, we have discussed the roles of the id, ego, and superego in the behavior patterns of individuals. I have also discussed the contribution of mental disorders to crime. By means of examining a conduct disorder and its oppositional defiant disorder, we have learned that children have many traits associated with delinquency and criminality. Similarly, I have highlighted that early interventions and treatment are required in managing juvenile delinquency. You should also note that schizophrenia and bipolar are significant contributing factors to delinquency. I have also discussed the behavioral theory concerning misconduct. This theory asserts that behaviors are nurtured through learning experiences. Also to note about this theory is that individual behaviors change through the approval of others. In the real world situation, we have an assumption that states that human behavior is reinforced by rewording and eliminated by punishment or lack of a reward. The social learning theory, a branch of the behavioral theory highly correlates to criminology. Lastly, I have discussed the application of the cognitive theory to juvenile delinquency. In this theory, we have found out the mental processes contribute to aggressive behaviors. The bottom line of this study, therefore, is that juvenile delinquency can be explained and consequently treated through psychological means.
References
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Shoemaker, D. J. (2018). Theories of delinquency: An examination of explanations of delinquent behavior. Oxford University Press.
Siegel, L. J., & Welsh, B. C. (2014). Juvenile delinquency: Theory, practice, and law. Cengage Learning.
Sykes, G. M., & Matza, D. (2017). Juvenile delinquency and subterranean values. In Cultural Criminology (pp. 3-10). Routledge.
Thornberry, T. (2018). Developmental theories of crime and delinquency. Routledge.
Thompson, W. E., & Bynum, J. E. (2016). Juvenile delinquency: A sociological approach. Rowman & Littlefield.
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Reiman, J., & Leighton, P. (2015). Rich Get Richer, and the Poor Get Prison, The (Subscription): Ideology, Class, and Criminal Justice. Routledge.
