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.