ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews previous attempts to develop an integrated theory before discussing my own development of Integrated Systems Theory and stating how it is different from what went before. There are many other theoretical perspectives, including several integrated theories. Most criminological theories are rooted in one or two academic disciplines, making them disciplinary, or at best, multidisciplinary. Genuinely integrated theories are interdisciplinary, which means that they attempt to integrate contributions from all empirical academic disciplines. Although, like all theories, the Integrated Systems Theory (IST) has limits, it may be the "most ambitious, comprehensive interdisciplinary attempt so far to move integration of criminological theory to new heights". The 1ST is not meant to explain any particular type of crime, but instead is aimed at explaining the general likelihood that a person will indulge in antisocial behavior, particularly someone who is maladaptive in nature and especially who harms others.
