ABSTRACT
For psychological positivists, the search for the causes of crime is directed to the mind and thus criminal encounter notions of the ‘criminal mind’ or ‘criminal personality’. There are several broad categories of psychological theories of crimes and all involve the processes of learning, much of which happens at a very early age and is something we internalize unthinkingly and unconsciously. Psychodynamic explanations of crime and criminal behaviour have their origins in the extremely influential work of Sigmund Freud. Both psychodynamic and behavioural learning theories have clear foundations in the predestined actor model, although later more sophisticated variants of those traditions became more readily accepting of rational actor model notions of albeit limited choice. Psychological theories propose that crime results from mental or emotional disturbances in individuals, an inability to empathize with others, an inability to legally satisfy their basic needs, or the oppressive circumstances of their life.
