ABSTRACT
Continuing our systematic review of the Central Eight the chapter situates the role of family/marital, school/work, and leisure/recreation vis-à-vis criminal behavior. Family/marital was touched upon in Chapter 6 but here we dive deeper (e.g., family therapy interventions). The development of emotional bonds between the child and parent(s) is reviewed and the effects of disruptions in the relationship, especially as a result of adverse childhood experiences, are highlighted.
The discussions of school and work show that these two prosocial environments go a long way in protecting the individual from engaging in crime. Attending school or working, especially if they are enjoyed, provide rewards for prosocial behavior and increases the costs for criminal behavior. Without stable school/work, one is free to deviate from prosocial norms. Similarly, involvement in prosocial recreational activities reinforces one’s commitment to prosocial values.
Neighborhood has a more distal influence on criminal behavior. Growing up in a disadvantaged neighborhood increases the risk for negative outcomes and crime is one of them.
