Developmental Psychology

Sample Solution

   

Psychoanalytic theory

According to psychoanalytic theory, personality is shaped by unconscious conflicts and drives. A teen who commits a serious crime might be acting out unconscious anger or aggression that they have been repressing. They might also be trying to resolve an Oedipal conflict, in which they feel jealous of their father and want to take his place with their mother.

Full Answer Section

      For example, a teen who was abused by their father might commit a crime against another authority figure, such as a police officer. Or, a teen who feels like they are not getting enough attention from their mother might commit a crime to get her attention. Social learning theory According to social learning theory, personality is shaped by learning from others. A teen who commits a serious crime might have learned this behavior from their parents, peers, or other role models. They might have also learned that crime can be a way to get what they want, such as money or power. For example, a teen who grew up in a neighborhood with a lot of crime might learn that crime is a normal way of life. Or, a teen who was bullied by their peers might commit a crime as a way to get revenge. It is important to note that these are just two possible explanations for why a teen might commit a serious crime. There are many other factors that could contribute to this behavior, such as poverty, mental illness, or substance abuse. It is also important to remember that these theories are not mutually exclusive. It is possible that a teen's personality was shaped by both unconscious conflicts and learning from others. Ultimately, the best way to understand why a teen might commit a serious crime is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of their individual circumstances. This assessment should include information about their family history, their peer relationships, their school performance, and their mental health. By understanding the factors that contributed to the teen's crime, we can better develop interventions that will help them prevent future offending.