6-2: Journal Entry- Psychological Theory Limitations in Prosecution Sarah Phillips Southern New Hampshire University Criminal Psychology Journal Entry 10/8/2023 1
6-2: Journal Entry- Psychological Theory Limitations in Prosecution Limitations: There are many benefits to psychological theories. The role of psychological theories, specifically in prosecution of a criminal, is to assist in understanding the person. While theories are insightful, they should not be meant to depend on. There are some limitations to utilizing psychological theories during the prosecution process. First, theories can be subjective. Many theories are backed by personal interpretation which can lead to an unintentional bias. Many theories are also generalized, which does not allow for the account of individuality. This continues to show by not considering the environment or other external factors. The influence of socio-economic or cultural factors are often overlooked in sustaining theories. Can these be addressed? The limitations of using psychological theories in the process of prosecuting a criminal can be addressed in some ways. What I believe to be most important would be to include the influence of external factors. People commit crimes for a multitude of reasons, including their background would give insight into reasoning. It would also be more beneficial to incorporate multiple theories, allowing for greater comprehension of the whole person and their behaviors. This would give some relief to the subjectivity of just one theory. Including empirical evidence, whenever possible, would also assist in backing up theories used. Motivational Factors: I believe that age impacts motivation greatly. Adolescents who commit crimes are often surrounded by peers who encourage criminal behaviors and do not think of long-term consequences. These adolescents can be motivated by peer pressure, wanting to be "cool" or fit in, or are searching for a place to belong. "Adults who commit crimes have different motivations. 2
6-2: Journal Entry- Psychological Theory Limitations in Prosecution Most adults have either been committing crimes since they were young or have drastic life changes that push them to crime. Survival, greed, and revenge are a few motivations adults would have over adolescents. It has been stated that adolescent criminals may stop committing crimes as they get older: . "Research by American social scientists shows that all but the most exceptional criminals, even violent ones, mature out of lawbreaking before middle age, meaning that long sentences do little to prevent crime ... Neuroscience suggests that the parts of the brain that govern risk and reward are not fully developed until age 25, after which lawbreaking drops off. Young people are more likely to be poor than older people, and poorer people are more likely to commit crimes" (Goldstein, 2015). This, however, does not mean everyone stops as they age. The type of crime and individual circumstance are always factors. 3