Respond To This Statement: Once A Criminal, Always A Crimina
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Respond to this statement: Once a criminal always a criminal. Approach this from a forensic psychology point of view and remember to back up your opinion with research (this means citations). No Plagiarism 350 Words Minimum APA Format, Cite source only using: Applied Psychology (2nd Edition) Coolican, H. (Ed.) Hodder Arnold Publishers (2007) or Applied Psychology: New Frontiers and Rewarding Careers Donaldson, Berger, & Pezdek Lawrence Eribaum (2006) No other sources are allowed Must have within 2 hours of handshake.
Paper For Above instruction
The adage "once a criminal, always a criminal" reflects a pervasive assumption about the permanence of criminal behavior. From a forensic psychology perspective, this statement warrants critical examination, as research indicates that criminal trajectories are dynamic rather than fixed (Coolican, 2007). Understanding whether individuals remain offenders over time involves analyzing psychological, environmental, and social factors that influence criminality.
Forensic psychology has long considered the concept of the "criminal personality," suggesting some individuals may have enduring traits that predispose them to criminal behavior. However, empirical evidence reveals that such traits are not necessarily immutable. Coolican (2007) discusses how personality traits, criminal behavior, and environmental influences interact over an individual's lifespan. Many offenders demonstrate behavioral change, especially when subjected to interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, which aim to modify criminogenic thinking patterns.
Furthermore, some longitudinal studies emphasize desistance—the process by which individuals cease engaging in criminal acts. Donaldson, Berger, and Pezdek (2006) highlight that desistance is often associated with significant life changes, including stable employment, improved social relationships, and maturation. The concept of neuroplasticity also suggests that neurobiological factors influencing impulsivity and decision-making are modifiable, supporting the view that criminal tendencies are not necessarily permanent (Donaldson et al., 2006).
Moreover, the legal and correctional systems increasingly recognize the potential for rehabilitation and desistance. Rehabilitation programs target underlying cognitive and behavioral factors that contribute to offending, demonstrating that with appropriate intervention, individuals can reform. These insights challenge the deterministic view implied by the statement "once a criminal, always a criminal."
In conclusion, the forensic psychology perspective supports a more nuanced understanding—that criminal behavior is not inherently fixed or permanent. While some individuals may have a higher propensity for offending based on psychological traits, environmental influences and therapeutic interventions significantly contribute to behavior change. Therefore, the concept that individuals are eternally criminal does not align fully with current psychological research, which emphasizes the potential for desistance and rehabilitation.
References
Coolican, H. (2007). Applied Psychology (2nd ed.). Hodder Arnold Publishers.
Donaldson, C., Berger, D., & Pezdek, K. (2006). Applied Psychology: New Frontiers and Rewarding Careers. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.