The Psychology of Criminal Conduct

Abstract

The Psychology of Criminal Conduct, Fifth Edition, discusses the psychology of criminal behavior, drawing upon general personality, as well as cognitive-behavioral and cognitive social learning perspectives. The book consists of 15 chapters, which are organized into four sections. Part 1 provides an overview of theoretical context and major knowledge base of the psychology of criminal conduct. Part 2 discusses the eight major risk/need factors of criminal conduct. Part 3 examines the prediction and classification of criminal behavior, along with prevention and rehabilitation. Part 4 summarizes the major issues in understanding criminal conduct. In addition to senior undergraduate students, graduate students, and professionals in psychology, this book may be helpful to students and practitioners in the fields of social work, sociology, education, health, youth and family studies, criminology, and youth and adult justice. The book is also accessible to members of the general public who are interested in understanding antisocial behavior. Resource notes throughout explain important concepts. Technical notes at the back of the book allow the advanced student to explore complex research without distracting readers from the main points. An acronym index is also provided.