Nexus between Psychology and Crime: An Overview

The study of human and animal behaviour from a scientific point of view, with the aims of describing, explaining, predicting, and controlling behaviour, is what psychologists refer to as the subject of psychology. The scientific study of animal and human behaviour, both in the laboratory and in natural settings. It includes both captive and wild settings. The academic field known as psychology is predicated on the principle that human behaviour should be subjected to methodical inquiry and analysis in order to fully comprehend it. It is possible to trace the tremendous forward movement that has been made in the area of psychology all the way back to the introduction of revolutionary conceptual frameworks. In addition to this, not only does it have an effect on the judicial system, but it also has an impact on criminal behaviour. As a direct result of this progress, over the course of the past several years, Criminal Psychology has grown into its own autonomous specialised academic subject. This development occurred as a result of the evolution of the field. And in the modern world, the study of Criminal Psychology has developed into a specialised field that is growing and has a vast number of possible applications for a wide variety of different professions. This is due to the fact that it has a lot to offer in terms of the combination of both of these elements. [1]

Psychology is a scientific discipline that studies human and animal behaviour with the hopes of better explaining, understanding, predicting, and controlling it. This scientific discipline examines how organisms behave, both in the wild and in captivity. The field of psychology is concerned with the scientific study of human behaviour, with an emphasis on careful observation and analysis. Recent advances in the field of psychology may be traced directly to the introduction of new paradigms in this area of research. The justice system and criminal behaviour are also impacted. Because of this change, Criminal Psychology has emerged as its own field of study in recent years. And in the modern world, Criminal Psychology has developed into a distinct field of study with many practical implications. [2] In several recent incidents of rape, ladies have been raped and abused beyond human comprehension. This left us wondering how a typical man you would pass in a market or public transport can go to such extremities, forgetting about humanity, and not fear legal punishment. From one murder to mass slaughter! Have you ever thought about the Holocaust? How can Hitler command the mass death of people? On the basis of caste, religion, race, or political convictions, discriminate and murder individuals. His men obeyed his orders without a second thought. The Holocaust produced and directed several experiments to study extreme obedience Many Since psychology has so many practical applications, it may be used to explain behaviour at every level:

The purpose of this is to learn about the origins of people's peculiar habits. Individuals' actions can be influenced or motivated by a wide variety of circumstances, including those in their immediate environments.

The purpose of this study is to better comprehend the social contexts that underpin group dynamics and individual behaviour. Its goal is to learn how social context influences human behaviour.

Definitions of "Crime" and "Criminal" vary widely depending on the specific circumstances. And the legal and judicial system of a certain state, country, or province is essential to a proper understanding of this term and its appropriate use. It's important to remember that what constitutes a crime in one culture may not be so in another, therefore this phrase needs to be used very carefully. However, enlightened societies often view behaviour that would be considered criminal in other places as an illness. Acts of criminality are seen as violations of the law, but they also serve as indicators of cultural and societal insensitivity. The terms "Criminality" and "crime" are often misunderstood as synonyms. It's important to distinguish between criminality, which refers to a propensity for illegal behaviour, and crime, which is a concrete violation of the law. Interventions for criminal behaviour are one of the primary goals of criminal psychology. [4]

It's crucial to know that there are two distinct branches of psychological inquiry outside the familiar School of Thoughts and forces. That's what we mean by "research," both fundamental and practical. While theoretical support is sometimes lacking in basic research, its overarching goal is to produce ideas that may be employed in applied psychology to address real-world problems and answer fundamental concerns about human behaviour. A great deal of theoretical progress may be attributed to studies conducted under the auspices of Basic Research. [5] the field of criminal psychology seeks to gain a deeper understanding of criminal motivations and thought processes. A criminal psychologist's role is to aid law enforcement and judicial authorities by creating a psychological profile of repeat offenders and looking into the circumstances that may have prompted or exacerbated their criminal behaviour. It's important for the police officers who are working the case to have a grasp of the criminals' motivations. Unfortunately, it is sometimes difficult or impossible for staff to gain access to necessary case files due to human error or other constraints. To better handle criminals with mental illness, a criminal psychologist should draught guidelines and educate investigators. [6]

As it turned out, the existing body of knowledge was inadequate to explain the reasons for certain specific behaviours, so most of the previous research and experiments were aimed at theory development. Theories that attempt to provide an explanation for criminal behaviour are outlined below. Though some of these explanations for criminal behaviour have gained widespread support, others have been met with scepticism due to their purported lack of generalizability. [7] Based on their theoretical stance, all the theories have been classified into one of three categories: i. Biological Perspective ii. Sociological Perspective iii. Psychological Perspective

An individual's physiological and genetic resilience are taken into account while attempting to understand their behaviour from a biological standpoint. [8]

The idea developed by Sheldon is considered to be one of the oldest examples of the study of personality. Sheldon, without the benefit of modern theory and methods, once attempted to explain differences in personality based on physical appearance. Somatotype was thought to be a predictor of temperament, and he concluded that it accounts for a great deal of individual variation in personality. And these broad Personality types

Body type, according to Sheldon, determines one of three personality types.

• People that fall under the Endomorph (Viscreotonic) body type are often overweight yet have an easygoing, cheerful demeanour.

• The Cerebrotonic type, or Ectomorph, is characterised by a slim build, reserved personality, and an emphasis on introspective contemplation.

• Somatotonic Mesomorphs are those that have a muscular build and a fearless spirit.

Sheldon claims mesomorphs are more prone to criminal behaviour because of their naturally violent personalities.

Psychologists and medical researchers have long pondered the nature vs. nurture debate in an effort to decipher the origins of human behaviour. Chromosomes have a major role in the transmission of genes, and consequently, in the inheritance of traits and characteristics. Jacobs and her colleagues are credited with pioneering the field of chromosomal research by examining the DNA of criminals in great detail. They found a correlation between chromosomal abnormalities and criminal conduct. Men typically have two X chromosomes and one Y chromosome, however it has been discovered that some men have an additional Y chromosome, making their chromosomal pair XYY. These males were stereotyped as more dangerous because of their perceived heightened levels of masculinity. They speculate that such males are more likely to engage in criminal behaviour due to their heightened levels of aggression. c. Mark and Ervin’s “Dyscontrol Theory” (1970) Mark and Ervin claim that "Dyscontrol Syndrome" can be caused by damage to the brain, notably the temporal lobe and the Limbic System. This condition manifests itself in violent outbursts that might occur for no apparent reason. It also involves sexually inappropriate behaviour and regular illegal activity.

The goal of the sociological approach is to provide an explanation for individual behaviour in terms of its social and cultural contexts. [9] The impact of city life on criminal motivation and action is a central tenet of the theory of social disorganisation. According to Clifford and Henry, an ungoverned space is one in which the mechanisms of social control have broken down. a location where social and commercial institutions such as families and schools are unable to fulfil their roles. A high unemployment rate, a high dropout rate, and unplanned and chaotic families and dwellings are all signs of a society that is out of control. According to Clifford and Henry, crime increases when society is in such a state of chaos and disarray because residents are exposed to greater violence and hopelessness.

Strain theory, developed by Merton, explains why persons with low socioeconomic level are more likely to commit crimes. Because of the stress they experience, he argued, persons from disadvantaged backgrounds are more likely to engage in criminal activity. They are under stress because they are unable to meet basic necessities, which also prevents them from progressing toward more important life goals. While some of these individuals may be content with their lives and their restricted opportunities, he contended that many others are not. Others, though, will resort to dishonest practises in order to obtain what they consider to be more important ends. According to this view, criminal behaviour stems from inner turmoil caused by the dissatisfaction with one's own life and the methods one employs to attain his or her legitimate and highly cherished goals.

The notion of differential association provides an explanation for the acquisition of criminal conduct. Because of the ideals they've picked up from their friends, family, and neighbours, some people will eventually break the law. According to Sutherland, being immersed in a community where one is taught ideals that promote criminal behaviour will lead one to adopt such behaviours.

Becker believed that assigning a label to someone leads to that person acting criminally. Labeling someone as a criminal increases the likelihood that they will engage in criminal activity because it validates their bad choices. According to Becker, the self-fulfilling prophecy of labelling encourages deviant behaviour because it may not be true but tends to become reality as a result of the behaviours of such individuals. No one is born a criminal, and deviance has nothing to do with genetics, as Becker argues. This label, he claims, is imposed on them by the larger society.

Theories of criminal behaviour that might be categorised as "generic" are explained from a psychological perspective. [10]

Bowlby said that the premature removal of children from their mothers was a cause of criminal behaviour and behaviours. Bowlby argues that a kid's social development is incomplete if it occurs while the youngster is still dependent on their mother. If a kid doesn't get the support they need, they may not learn the skills they need to interact successfully with others, and they may struggle for the rest of their lives to build healthy, positive relationships with others. This, in turn, can foster antisocial tendencies and criminal behaviour.

Eysencktheorises that the capacity to draw conclusions about the results of one's actions is affected by the interplay between the cerebral and autonomic nervous systems. These people's moral development and socialisation into adulthood was hampered by terrible experiences they had as children. Such experiences render them incapable of learning, increasing their propensity towards seriously antisocial conduct. Eysenck also found a correlation between high levels of extraversion and neuroticism and a propensity for antisocial behaviour.

frameworks. Dr. William Glasser, another expert on the subject of criminal behaviour, shared same views. Glasser presented the Choice hypothesis, which states that criminal behaviour is the result of deliberate human decision and planning. This is a free-willed decision on their part. There are a variety of motivations for someone to act criminally, he argues, including the satisfaction of basic necessities and the pursuit of more lofty aspirations. There are three distinct behavioural paradigms proposed by Choice theory.

• An individual commits a crime knowing full well the repercussions they will face and believing they are capable of withstanding at least the minimal punishment necessary to deter them from acting on their criminal intent.

• A predestined actor is someone whose desire to perform criminal acts is inborn and hence beyond their control. The result is criminal behaviour. These people require psychiatric counselling and are easy to spot since they have no compelling reason to conduct crime and cannot provide a rationale for their actions.

• An actor who has been a victim of a comparable crime or injustice is said to be victimised. The primary goal of this action is to help the individual cope with the stress and discord caused by his own experiences.

Identifying a single hypothesis by Eysenck is challenging because he has proposed several. He has presented hypotheses not just from the standpoint of psychology, but also from the perspective of biology. According to Eysenck, criminal intent and behaviour are influenced by both genetics and upbringing. He came to the conclusion that criminals are born with a distinctly different biological make-up, which, under the right conditions, manifests itself in criminal behaviour. Through his theory of personality, he has also demonstrated that those with high levels of extraversion and neuroticism are more likely to engage in criminal activity. He concluded that people with these characteristics have an aggressive personality type, are highly aroused and energised, and respond rapidly to adverse circumstances. e. Behaviourism:

behaviourism. Case in point: Watson and Rayner's (1920) "white rat phobia" experiment with an orphan called Albert. Lack of specificity in conditioning has been linked to generalised aversion to things that seem similar. The fact that phobias and fears elicit responses helps us learn about and analyse human nature. The work of influential theorists like Skinner and experimental psychologists like Pavlov also contributed to our comprehension of behaviour. Which allows criminal psychologists to get insight into offender behaviour and develop programmes to better their lives and help them reintegrate into society.

There are two main types of empathy: cognitive and emotional. Cognitive empathy is the capacity that allows people to feel the suffering of others by imagining themselves in their position. It's impossible without a shift of viewpoint. Affective empathy, on the other hand, is "an emotional reaction marked by sentiments of worry for another and a desire to alleviate that person's misery." People with cognitive empathy are able to comprehend what it's like to be in another person's shoes emotionally, while those with affective empathy may really feel what the other person is feeling. They are not incompatible with one another, as claimed by Jolliffe and Farrington. [11] The lack of emotional empathy is seen as a core feature of psychopathy. It's a mental illness that typically affects those with a propensity for antisocial conduct, such as psychopaths. It appears that psychopaths may comprehend the emotions of others but cannot feel them themselves, based on an examination of their typical patterns of conduct. Simply put, they exhibit certain features of cognitive empathy but not affective empathy.

Despite the generality, most males acquire antisocial conduct in response to cognitive and verbal deficiencies. Language disability involves issues expressing oneself or understanding others. Children with impairments between 5 and 10 years old were more prone to delinquent conduct in adolescence than those without impairments. Upon close study of causation, it can be observed that rejections and unfavourable reactions from different elements of society, whether it peer groups or teachers at schooling level, have a huge impact on the development of delinquent conduct. [12] which degrades their stability and confidence. Frustration is another component they typically bear, and its mishandling leads to violent and disruptive conduct that starts at home and spreads across society.

Beliefs direct our attention away from the objective world and toward our own internalised representations of it. Deviance is created when moral codes are interpreted subjectively as based on one's belief. Corresponding to the perceptually impacted conditions is the concept of subjectivity. The term "perspective" refers to the angle at which one performs a subjective analysis of an objective feature of life. Since one's circumstances determine one's actions rather than the other way around, it's only natural to diverge from reality. We need to promote the creation and adoption of an objective moral code if we are to effectively combat social deviation. Through community policing, individuals are able to set aside their own biases and instead work together with others to uphold an impartial interpretation of the law. [13] ii. Philosophy in Conceptualization of Community Policing: Due to the ineffectiveness of the conventional approach to police, the concept of community policing has developed into a functional part of government. The state's coercive methods, which are intended to alienate the populace, are sometimes cited as a contributing factor. "that police officers and private residents working together in innovative ways may assist tackle current community problems relating to crime, social and physical disorder, and neighbourhood degradation" is central to the ideology of community policing. There has to be a fundamental transformation in how we look at government, with police seeing the public as their finest resource and biggest ally in the battle against crime prevention. [14]

As a result of the conversations that have taken place, it has become clear that the dynamic relationship that exists between psychology and the legal system serves as the fundamental basis for efficient criminal investigations and the fair and impartial administration of justice. It is necessary that the symbiotic relationship between the two areas be cultivated and grown in such a way that this analysis are by no means a thorough look at the contributions that psychology may make to the subject of law. In order to demonstrate the validity of the connection between psychology and the legal system, empirical research must first be conducted.

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Assistant Professor, Faculty of Law, Maharishi Arvind University, Jaipur-302041(Rajasthan)