Comprehensive Guide to Criminal Behavior: Theories, Trends, and Interventions
2025 NEW CRJS 360 FINAL EXAM STUDY GUIDE (Comprehensive Guide to Criminal Behavior:
Theories, Trends, and Interventions) Athabasca University
Typical Offender Profile
A typical offender often exhibits a pattern of repeated incarceration, low
educational attainment such as high school dropout, inconsistent
employment history, unstable family backgrounds, and a history of
substance abuse. They frequently demonstrate poor problem-solving skills,
unstable familial relationships, and are more likely to have experienced
neglect or abuse. These factors contribute to a profile characterized by social
and economic disadvantages, which are significant in understanding criminal
tendencies.
Public Perception of Crime and Criminal Justice System
Despite a decline in crime rates over recent decades, many Canadians
perceive crime as increasing, influenced heavily by media portrayals.
Confidence in the criminal justice system (CJS)—including police, courts, and
correctional agencies—is relatively low, especially regarding crime
prevention, rehabilitation, and community supervision. Conversely, there is
higher confidence in police solving crimes and courts determining guilt,
reflecting a disconnect between perception and empirical data.
Crime Definitions and Factors
Crime is defined as intentional behaviors that violate criminal codes and are
punishable by law. These behaviors are influenced by multiple factors,
including individual motivation, opportunity, political context, social norms,
and cultural values. Crime is distinguished from moral, social, and
, Comprehensive Guide to Criminal Behavior: Theories, Trends, and Interventions
psychological violations, with varying definitions across countries and
cultures. The understanding of crime influences its prevalence and the
development of policies.
Correctional and Forensic Psychology
Correctional psychology focuses on assessing and managing individuals
involved in criminal behavior, aiming to reduce reoffending and facilitate
reintegration. Forensic psychology applies psychological principles to legal
processes, such as risk assessment, expert testimony, and treatment of
offenders. While related, correctional psychology tends to be more practice-
, Comprehensive Guide to Criminal Behavior: Theories, Trends, and Interventions
oriented within correctional settings, whereas forensic psychology often
involves legal decision-making.
The Personal, Interpersonal, and Community-Reinforcement Model
(PIC-R)
This integrative model explains criminal behavior as the result of interactions
among personal traits, social relationships, and community influences.
Criminal conduct is viewed as influenced by:
• Personal factors: early conduct problems, biological predispositions.
• Interpersonal factors: family relationships, attachment, neglect, abuse.
• Community factors: family socioeconomic status, peer influences,
social supports, neighborhood disorganization.
Behavior results from immediate situational influences, such as attitudes
supportive of crime, costs and rewards, and social supports, combined with
broader contextual factors.
Crime Trends and Crime Severity Index
Canada has experienced a general decline in crime since the early 1990s,
with violent crime decreasing notably since 2000. The Crime Severity Index
(CSI) measures both the volume and seriousness of police-reported crimes,
adjusting for the relative severity of crimes. It helps compare regional and
temporal crime patterns, revealing that more serious crimes have a greater
impact on the index, with higher rates in western and northern provinces.
Correlates and Risk Factors for Criminal Conduct
Research identifies core criminogenic factors:
• The 'Big Four: antisocial behavior history, antisocial personality,
criminal cognition, and antisocial associates.
• The 'Central Eight' expands this to include family, school, recreation,
and substance abuse issues.
• Minor risk factors: mental health problems, low IQ, emotional distress,
and social class. These factors are empirically linked to criminal
conduct, guiding assessment and treatment.
2025 NEW CRJS 360 FINAL EXAM STUDY GUIDE (Comprehensive Guide to Criminal Behavior:
Theories, Trends, and Interventions) Athabasca University
Typical Offender Profile
A typical offender often exhibits a pattern of repeated incarceration, low
educational attainment such as high school dropout, inconsistent
employment history, unstable family backgrounds, and a history of
substance abuse. They frequently demonstrate poor problem-solving skills,
unstable familial relationships, and are more likely to have experienced
neglect or abuse. These factors contribute to a profile characterized by social
and economic disadvantages, which are significant in understanding criminal
tendencies.
Public Perception of Crime and Criminal Justice System
Despite a decline in crime rates over recent decades, many Canadians
perceive crime as increasing, influenced heavily by media portrayals.
Confidence in the criminal justice system (CJS)—including police, courts, and
correctional agencies—is relatively low, especially regarding crime
prevention, rehabilitation, and community supervision. Conversely, there is
higher confidence in police solving crimes and courts determining guilt,
reflecting a disconnect between perception and empirical data.
Crime Definitions and Factors
Crime is defined as intentional behaviors that violate criminal codes and are
punishable by law. These behaviors are influenced by multiple factors,
including individual motivation, opportunity, political context, social norms,
and cultural values. Crime is distinguished from moral, social, and
, Comprehensive Guide to Criminal Behavior: Theories, Trends, and Interventions
psychological violations, with varying definitions across countries and
cultures. The understanding of crime influences its prevalence and the
development of policies.
Correctional and Forensic Psychology
Correctional psychology focuses on assessing and managing individuals
involved in criminal behavior, aiming to reduce reoffending and facilitate
reintegration. Forensic psychology applies psychological principles to legal
processes, such as risk assessment, expert testimony, and treatment of
offenders. While related, correctional psychology tends to be more practice-
, Comprehensive Guide to Criminal Behavior: Theories, Trends, and Interventions
oriented within correctional settings, whereas forensic psychology often
involves legal decision-making.
The Personal, Interpersonal, and Community-Reinforcement Model
(PIC-R)
This integrative model explains criminal behavior as the result of interactions
among personal traits, social relationships, and community influences.
Criminal conduct is viewed as influenced by:
• Personal factors: early conduct problems, biological predispositions.
• Interpersonal factors: family relationships, attachment, neglect, abuse.
• Community factors: family socioeconomic status, peer influences,
social supports, neighborhood disorganization.
Behavior results from immediate situational influences, such as attitudes
supportive of crime, costs and rewards, and social supports, combined with
broader contextual factors.
Crime Trends and Crime Severity Index
Canada has experienced a general decline in crime since the early 1990s,
with violent crime decreasing notably since 2000. The Crime Severity Index
(CSI) measures both the volume and seriousness of police-reported crimes,
adjusting for the relative severity of crimes. It helps compare regional and
temporal crime patterns, revealing that more serious crimes have a greater
impact on the index, with higher rates in western and northern provinces.
Correlates and Risk Factors for Criminal Conduct
Research identifies core criminogenic factors:
• The 'Big Four: antisocial behavior history, antisocial personality,
criminal cognition, and antisocial associates.
• The 'Central Eight' expands this to include family, school, recreation,
and substance abuse issues.
• Minor risk factors: mental health problems, low IQ, emotional distress,
and social class. These factors are empirically linked to criminal
conduct, guiding assessment and treatment.
