Cjs/ 240 Individual Theories

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Individual Theories CJS/240 Scott Dunn April 14, 2013 Abstract: The view upon delinquents today is that criminal activity is a chosen decision to violate laws. The fact is that today’s society is made up of juveniles who are looking forward to their future and are working hard towards achieving their goals and accomplishing themselves. Unfortunately society is also made up of juveniles who act out and engage in dangerous behaviors as well as criminal acts. Three explanations Biochemical Theory, Neurological Theory, and Genetic Theory could clarify the reasons behind all of these outrageous activities that juvenile delinquents engage in. Individual Theories: Biochemical factors relating to juvenile delinquency refers to the biochemical makeup of the adolescent. It is noted that an individual’s body chemistry can govern the way the individual behaves and how an individual’s personality is perceived. This includes levels of aggression and depression. For example, an individual who is exposed to lead or ingests subsequent lead will eventually display antisocial behaviors. However, hormone related, antisocial behavior theoretically peaks in the teenage years of life because that is when hormonal activity is at its supreme level. The chemical named polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), once used in insulation materials, can have a negative influence in brain functioning and intelligence levels for individuals who have been exposed to the chemical for long periods of time. Siegel (2005) Research proposes that an adolescent’s diet can have an influence on the adolescents’ behavior through its impact on body chemistry and can cause involvement with substance abuse later in life. Research suggests that persistent abnormality in the way the brain metabolizes glucose can be linked to later involvement with substance abuse. Adolescents who experience intense mood swings,
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