ABSTRACT
In the previous chapter we began the examination of environmental contributions to crime. There we focused particularly on those aspects of the environment that increased or protected against the development of criminality over an individual’s lifespan. In this chapter we continue the examination of environmental factors. Our particular focus here is on the psychological processes by which environmental experiences translate into criminal behaviour. For example, we know from Chapter 6 that child maltreatment signifi cantly increases the risk of later criminality. But just why is this so? By what mechanisms are criminal patterns of behaviour acquired, triggered and maintained? In short, how do offenders learn to offend?
