FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY

Philippine Public Safety College

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By: Prof. Luis Duaso Gonzales, Ph.D. (Cand.)

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As one penologist says, The society breeds its own criminal. Criminality roots itself in the social climate and it is influenced and affected by almost all factors in the society. To study criminality, is in a way, to study our very own selves and our society, for we are all connected in the so called web of life. Whatever is said, an offender 4/28/12 is still a human person and he has

Profile of an Offender (Based on DSM IV)

A. There is a pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others occurring since age 15 years, as indicated by three of the following:

1. Failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviours as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest. 4/28/12

2. Deceitfulness as indicated by repeated lying, use of aliases or conning others for personal profit or pleasure 3. Impulsivity or failure to plan ahead 4. Irritability and aggressiveness as indicated by repeated physical fights or assaults 5. Reckless disregard for safety of self or others 4/28/12

6. Consistent irresponsibility as indicated by repeated failure to sustain consistent work behaviour or honor financial obligations 7. Lack of remorse as indicated by being indifferent to or rationalizing having hurt, mistreated or stolen from another

B. The individual is at least age 18

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C.

There is evidence of Conduct

Characteristics of Individuals with Conduct Disorder (Based on DSM IV)

Aggression to people and animals Destruction of property Deceitfulness and theft Serious violation of rules

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Types of Conduct Disorder

Childhood Onset Type occur prior to age ten Adolescent Onset Type absence prior to age ten

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Etiology of Criminality

Criminal behavior is always linked with the aggressive tendency of an individual. Aggression is an individuals outward display of criminal tendency. Agressive tendency differs

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Freud on Aggression

As proposed by Freud, humans manifest two types of instinct Instinct Defined as an innate predisposition to act when given a particular situation
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Two Types of Instinct

Life Instinct (Libido) one that promotes, preserves, protects, and prolongs life Energy used: Libidinal energy

Death Instinct (Thanatos) one that promotes harm and aggression

Energy used: Aggression/ 4/28/12 Aggressive behaviour

Types of Aggression

Physical aggression Manifested through physical means Verbal aggression Manifested through words or statements that destroys reputation, honor and dignity as a person
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External aggression (Aggression out) Aggression that is outwardly manifested Internal aggression (Aggression in) Aggression that is directed towards the self Displaced aggression An aggressive behaviour that is redirected from the

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Instrumental aggression Aggression that is used as an instrument to an innermost goal

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Theories of Crime
Choice Theory (Classical and Neoclassical)

Individuals commit crimes after weighing the consequences and benefits of their actions; criminal behaviour therefore is a rational choice made by motivated offender who perceives that the chance of gain outweigh any possible 4/28/12 punishment or loss.

Trait Theory

Holds that individuals engage in criminal behaviour due to aberrant psychological traits that govern behavioural choices; criminal acts are impulsive or instinctual rather than rational choices.

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Biological Theory
1.

Biochemical Theory Violence or aggressive behaviour is a function of hormonal imbalance Neurological Theory Criminal behaviour is a result of certain brain impairment. Minimal brain dysfunction is related to anti social behaviour. Genetic Theory Criminal traits and predispositions are inherited.

2.

3.

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Psychodynamic Theory

The development of the unconscious personality in early childhood influence behaviour for the rest of a persons life. Criminals have weak egos and damaged personalities. Focus: Explains the onset of delinquency and why crime and abuse cut across class lines.
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Behavioural Theory

People commit crime when they model their behaviour after others they see being rewarded for the same acts. Behaviour is reinforced by rewards and extinguished by punishment. Focus: Explains the role of significant others in the criminological process. Shows 4/28/12

Cognitive Theory

Individual reasoning processes influence behaviour. Reasoning is influenced by the way people perceive their environment. Focus: Shows why criminal behaviour pattern change overtime as people mature and develop their reasoning powers. May explain the aging process.
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Strain Theory

Links criminality to the strain of being lock out of the economic mainstream, which creates the anger and frustration that lead to criminal acts

Social Conflict Theory The view that intergroup conflict, born out of the unequal distribution 4/28/12wealth and power, is the root of

Developmental Theory

The view that criminality is a dynamic process, influenced by social experiences as well as individual characteristics.

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Socio Demographic Profile of Offenders (Bureau of Corrections)

Population Age

: More than 24,000

No. of illiterates

: More or less 60%

: 26 30 years old

Religious affiliation : Roman Catholics (78%) Civil Status : Single (57%) Crime Committed : Homicide and Robbery (60%)
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Sentence :

6 10 years (54%) 1 5 years (78%)

Length of Stay :

Place of Origin : Luzon and Metro Manila (65%) Occupation prior Laborer (More

to imprisonment: than 60%)

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Lying

Behavioural Characteristics of Offenders

Argumentative Offensive Negative Mind set Manipulative Cunning/ Street Smart High Level of Aggression History of Neglect/Abuse

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Not Interested in School (truancy) Rude/ Rebellious Hatred Toward People in Authority Withdrawn Gang Involvement Extreme Sensitivity Very Emotional
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Thank you for listening...Good day!

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