7. Psychological Theories of Crime
7.9 Conclusion
Dr. Jennifer Mervyn and Stacy Ashton, M.A.
The field of psychological criminology is broad, encompassing a variety of approaches examining individual differences in violent behaviour. Some of the main approaches include cognitions, personality, disorders, parenting, and trauma. Integrative theories incorporate a variety of theories.
Utilising psychological research for criminal justice requires addressing the limitations of our research methods and analysing the appropriateness and applicability of these approaches for diverse groups.
Findings support the need for early interventions to divert youth from pathways to criminality and the adoption of trauma-informed practices to ensure criminal justice systems do not inadvertently create lifelong and multi-generational criminality in vulnerable populations, including Indigenous peoples.