Eysenck's Personality Theory and Criminal Behavior
The eysenck personality theory establishes fundamental connections between personality traits and criminal behavior through three primary dimensions.
Definition: The eysenck personality theory definition centers on three major personality traits: extraversion, neuroticism, and psychoticism, which are influenced by genetic inheritance.
Example: An individual scoring high on all three scales (extraversion, neuroticism, and psychoticism) shows a higher predisposition to criminal behavior.
The theory explores each trait in detail:
Extraversion:
Highlight: Extroverts are characterized by outgoing, sociable, and confident behaviors, while introverts tend to be quiet, shy, and unassertive.
Neuroticism:
Definition: High neuroticism manifests as anxiety, anger, and guilt proneness, while low neuroticism (stability) shows as calmness and stress resistance.
Psychoticism:
Vocabulary: Psychoticism refers to traits including impulsiveness, aggression, and selfishness, contrasting with impulse control, warmth, and conscientiousness.
Biological Basis:
Highlight: Eysenck linked criminal personality traits to the central nervous system (CNS), including:
- The reticular activation system (RAS) affecting cortical arousal
- The autonomic nervous system (ANS) influencing emotional responses
- Dopaminergic neurons impacting impulse control
Criticisms:
Quote: Critics argue that "with such a range of crimes, it seems unlikely that criminals share a similar personality."
The theory faces several challenges:
- Questions about the usefulness of psychoticism concept
- Concerns about deterministic approach
- Limited emphasis on environmental factors
- Individual differences consideration
