Assignment task: Psychological and sociological theories provide insight into the behaviors and actions of people and groups. These theories explain how people may choose to commit crimes.
Watch the following video to learn more about what causes young people to commit crime:
Suzanne, a 25-year-old, was in and out of the juvenile justice system for most of her young life. She often skipped school, and her acting out when she was there resulted in her expulsion from high school. Suzanne was cited several times for possessing and consuming alcohol and tobacco as a minor. She was also arrested several times for shoplifting, vandalism, and disorderly conduct. In her young adult life, Suzanne's criminal activity has gotten worse. She has been arrested for the following:
- Assault
- Possession of controlled substances
- Criminal mischief
- Prostitution
- Burglary
As part of her sentencing, the court said that Suzanne must attend counseling sessions. This was based on information brought out at trial regarding her difficult family environment. Suzanne said that she was often physically and sexually abused by members of her family during her childhood. She also said that she was often left alone and unsupervised while her mother worked three jobs, and her father left before she was born.
During her counseling sessions, Suzanne shared that she had been in several abusive relationships with men and women. Aside from the abuse, there was also infidelity. Suzanne said that she drank and took drugs to cope with her life. She told her counselor that she wants to get clean and live a productive life but does not know how.
Now, Suzanne's counselor has insight into her background, particularly the abuse, self-medication (taking drugs), and drinking alcohol to escape her problems and her criminal acts.
For this assignment, apply 1 psychological theory and 1 sociological theory to Suzanne's situation.
In the pages, explain your reason for the theory that you selected. Answer the following:
Explain the reasons you selected the psychological and sociological theories you used to explain Susanne's behavior.
Relate both theories to Suzanne's life, as described, and explain why she has resorted to criminal activity and self-medication.
The judge is considering sentencing Suzanne to prison but is willing to consider options presented by the defense attorney. As part of those options, explain the therapeutic methods that Suzanne's counselor may consider for treatment. Provide any other viable methods or options that may prove useful to Suzanne's diversion plan.
Your paper MUST include at least TWO formatted references.