ABSTRACT
Developmental theories are also concerned with ways in which the human organism changes over time. Most developmental theorists do not argue with the findings from psychologists that many personality traits are relatively stable across the life-course. One of the first criminological theories that was inherently developmental in nature was brought forth by psychologist Terrie Moffitt. Life-course and developmental theories are among the most difficult to test given that longitudinal data are needed from several individuals over a relatively long period of time. Policies and programs based on a developmental perspective are, of course, concerned with sustained and frequent follow-ups over a relatively long period of time. Broadly speaking, advocates of a developmental approach to crime prevention are against overly harsh, long punishment. Developmental criminology takes the perspective that the formative years of one’s life are during childhood and early adolescence.
