Research Paper on:
Therapeutic Approaches and Criminal Behavior Theory

Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
defined boundaries are overstepped - either purposefully or by mental imbalance - various theories apply in order to better understand the motivation behind such behavior; as well, therapeutic measures must  be taken as a means by which to assimilate the individual back into society. II. CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR THEORIES The student might readily  contend that criminal behavior is based upon a combination of the Differential Theory, the Opportunity Theory and the Subculture Strain Theory, the last of which contends "social bonds between adolescents  and adults are weak" (Anonymous, 2002). The absence of a solid, beneficial, healthy relationship with adult role models causes individuals to wander through life without having the fundamental basis  of social norms, thereby causing them to seek out the only measure of achievement they can. The Differential Association Theory contends that criminal  behavior is a learned behavior where the individual learns techniques of how to commit the crime, both simple and complex, as well as "the specific direction of motives, drives, rationalizations,  and attitudes" (Sutherland, 1978, p. PG). The Opportunity Theory states that for an individual to display criminal behavior, there must exist "access to legitimate opportunities for attaining material goals"  (Anonymous, 2002), as well as have no other availability to acquire these goals. In other words, an individual may feel the overwhelming pressure to achieve a certain degree of  success in life but believes he or she lacks the capability of achieving it in the conventional fashion; because the desire for material goals has been imbedded into the individuals  entire psychological being, he or she must acquire this status through whatever means possible. "...Criminal behavior in the conflict subculture is unorganized, and the social bonds between adolescents and