Read the article, “What Propels Sexual Murderers: A Proposed Integrated Theory of Social Learning and Routine Activities Theories” and explain how and to what extent mental illness plays a role in violent criminal behavior.
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Mental illness may play a role in violent criminal behavior, but the extent to which it does so is unclear.
Step-by-step explanation
Only a small portion of all criminals are sexual killers, and it is unclear why they commit these crimes. To explain how and why these people engage in criminal behavior, a proposed theory combines the theories of social learning and routine behaviors.According to the social learning theory, people pick up knowledge by watching how others behave. This can apply to both constructive and destructive actions. In the case of sexual killers, they might have seen others acting sexually or violently and realized that this is a proper course of action.
According to the theory of routine activities, criminal activity is more likely to happen when there is a motivated offender, a suitable target, and no competent guardian present. Those who commit sexual murder may be driven by a desire for dominance or power, and they may pick their victims because they are perceived as being weak. When the victim is a kid or the criminal holds a position of authority over the victim, there may not always be a capable guardian present.
Uncertainty exists on the extent to which mental illness influences violent criminal behavior. Mental illness may cause impaired judgment, which could increase the likelihood that someone will commit a crime. Additionally, mental illness and other risk factors for violence, such substance misuse, may coexist.
It is significant to remember that not all individuals with mental illnesses are violent, and that the majority of violent acts are not carried out by those who have a mental condition. However, in some instances of violent criminal behavior, mental illness may be a significant cause. In conclusion, it is unknown to what extent mental illness contributes to violent criminal activity.
REFERENCE
Chan, H. C. O. (2022). Paraphilic interests: The role of psychosocial factors in a sample of young adults in Hong Kong. Sexuality Research and Social Policy, 19(1), 159-178.