Juvenile delinquency is still one of the biggest issues of our society. The immediate assumption to this issue is that individuals lacking a good lifestyle and low social class are more likely to commit any type of crime. But then there are those individuals with the same life situation who are law-abiding citizen, and sometimes end up obtaining a college degree. The question is why some juveniles commit crime and others are never in trouble?
Many experts believe the answer to juvenile misbehavior is on the individual itself, and not the social or economic level. Considering this, there are two different theories about juvenile crime. The choice theory says that teenagers make a rational decision when getting involved in crime, and they also weight the consequences and benefits of their illegal actions. The trait theory suggests that juveniles, rather than making a rational choice, act due to uncontrollable behaviors. Crimes such as substance abuse and violence could be inspired by abnormal physical and psychological behavior.
Biosocial theory focuses on three areas which are biochemical factors, neurological dysfunction, and genetic influences. The biochemical factor theory is concerned with the biochemical make up and the antisocial behavior. Antisocial behavior prevails in the teenage years, making high levels of testosterone the responsible for excessive violence. Adolescents, especially teenage boys who “experience more intense moods, anxiety, and restlessness also have the highest crime rates. Research has shown that hormonal sensitivity may begin very early in life if the fetus is exposed to abnormally high levels of testosterone”. (Juvenile Delinquency: The Core, 2005). For example, the murder of 26-year-old Daniel Gene- Vincent Sorensen, who was murdered and decapitated by Jean-Pierre Orlewicz, 17, and Alexander James Letkemann, 18. A crime like this surprises us all," Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said at a press conference. "Any time anyone kills just because they want to — and that's what the evidence seems to suggest here — is bone-chilling. Why anybody would want to do that, especially being 17 years old, it makes us think and ask a lot of questions about our society." (Fox News, 2007).
Another concentration of the biosocial theory is neurological dysfunction. Some experts suggest that children and teenagers who manifest behavioral disturbances may suffer from “minimal brain dysfunction” (MBD). This condition can be present at birth, brain injury during pregnancy, birth, genetic abnormalities, and even sexual and physical abuse.
A much known brain dysfunction is Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). Generally children with ADHD result with poor school performance, lack of response to discipline and mental disorder. Children with AHHD are more likely to use illegal drugs, tobacco, and alcohol. However, many of these children suffering ADHD do not necessary involve in criminal behavior, so this theory is very controversial.
Some experts consider the physiological theories of delinquency to explain deviant behavior. Poor family structure, negative relationship with friends and teachers, seems to show a disturbed personality. Certain types of mental disorders such as anxiety disorder, mood disorder, depression and bipolar disorder. An example of depression case: “ A doctor prescribed anti-depression medication for Daniel Gudino nearly two years before he was accused of killing his younger brother, his mother testified Tuesday. The medication seemed to help, but because of concerns over the drug, the parents of the Colorado Springs boy discontinued using it, Marina Gudino told jurors at her oldest son’s first-degree murder trial in juvenile court”.(The Gazette, 2011). Many delinquency theories are in place today to explain why juveniles commit crime. Both the trait and the choice theory focus on the individual, but all individuals are different, with different life experiences, and reactions to everyday- conflicts. It would be unfair to say that one theory is applicable to all juveniles. It would be better to say that experts have several theories to choose from, to explain a certain individual’s reason to commit crime.
References
· Fox News. (2007). Head Found, Teens Arrested in 'Thrill Kill' Death of Decapitated Sex Offender. Retrieved from http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,310578,00.html
· Ensslin, J. C. (2011). Mom: Teen accused of killing brother treated for depression. The Gazette. Retrieved from http://www.gazette.com/articles/killing-113354-accused-medication.html
· n.d, . (2005). Juvenile Delinquency: The Core. Retrieved from Axia College of University of Phoenix.
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