Eysenck's Theory of Criminal Personality
Eysenck's groundbreaking theory proposes that criminal behavior can be understood through three fundamental personality dimensions, each with distinct biological underpinnings. The theory provides a comprehensive framework for understanding criminal tendencies and their development.
Definition: The criminal personality is characterized by high scores in extraversion E, neuroticism N, and psychoticism P, forming a distinct personality profile.
Highlight: The biological basis of these traits suggests that criminal tendencies have an inherited component through the nervous system's functioning.
Example: An extravert's underactive nervous system leads them to seek excitement through risky behaviors, while neurotic individuals respond quickly to threats due to high sympathetic nervous system reactivity.
Vocabulary: Socialization refers to the process where children learn to delay gratification and develop more socially oriented behavior.
Quote: "Offending behaviour is developmentally immature, characterized by selfishness and concern with immediate gratification."
The theory's evaluation reveals both strengths and limitations:
Strengths:
- Research support from Eysenck and Eysenck 1977 showing higher scores among prisoners
- Practical applications through personality measurement using EPQ
- Clear biological framework for understanding criminal behavior
Limitations:
- Inconsistent evidence regarding physiological differences
- May oversimplify complex behavioral patterns
- Cultural variations challenge universal application
- Questions about the stability and measurability of personality traits
Highlight: Modern perspectives suggest that criminal behavior results from an interaction between personality traits and environmental factors, presenting a more nuanced understanding than Eysenck's original theory.
