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Behavioral Approaches to Crime and Delinquency (From Behavioral Approaches to Crime and Delinquency: A Handbook of Application, Research, and Concepts, P 3-26, 1987, Edward K Morris and Curtis J Braukmann, eds. -- See NCJ 111159)

NCJ Number
111160
Author(s)
C J Braukmann; E K Morris
Date Published
1987
Length
24 pages
Annotation
This introductory chapter outlines the principles and major concepts of behavioral psychology and applies them to the problems of crime and delinquency examined in subsequent chapters.
Abstract
The chapter defines the universe examined in the book. Part 1 of the book provides background on the assumptions of behavioral science as well as relevant concepts, principles, and applications. The book looks at criminal and delinquent behavior, focusing primarily on the predatory criminality of young males. Within that context, the book explores behavioral principles that give rise to crime intervention procedures. While behavioral science is often used to explain criminal behavior, the book emphasizes using behavioral approaches to control -- and not to explain -crime and delinquency. The behavioral approaches discussed are not offered as panaceas but as humane, nonintrusive, and individualized methods of changing criminal behavior. Part 2 of the book looks at the application of behavioral research in adult and juvenile corrections. Part 3 looks at community-based interventions and how they are applied. Part 4 looks at the behavioral applications to the specific crimes of sex offenses and drug abuse. Part 5 demonstrates how behavioral principles and concepts are used to consider the causes of criminal and delinquent behavior. Part 6 discusses the professional roles and responsibilities of those who practice behavioral psychology in corrections institutions. 97 references.