Criminal Psychology

Psicologia Criminal

Course code:67118

Andreia Cristina Goncalves Matias

Learning outcomes of the curricular unit:

1. Define Criminal Psychology and recognize it as an area that seeks to study and intervene in this phenomenon
2. Understand the empirical research methodologies underlying the study of variables associated with criminal behavior, distinguishing between correlates, predictors and causes and highlighting the importance of meta-analysis
3. Recognize the contribution of the criminal careers research to understanding of the development of criminal behavior;
4. Know the state of the art knowledge about criminal behavior risk and protective factors;
5. Characterize theoretical proposals that seek to integrate such factors.
6. Relate the scientific understanding of criminal behavior with the development of evidence-based techniques for the assessment and prevention of these conducts

Syllabus:

1. The study of criminal behavior:
   1.1) Goals and definition of Psychology of Criminal Conduct
   1.2.) Research methods of variables associated with criminal behavior
2. Development of criminal behavior:
   2.1) The study of criminal careers
   2.2) Typologies of delinquent trajectories
3. Risk Factors:
   3.1) Demographic
   3.2) Biological
   3.3) Individual: Cognitive Functioning, Personality and temperament - Empathy and impulsivity, personality disorders, psychopathy and mental illness; Attitudes, beliefs and values; moral development
   3.4) Familial: Structure, patterns and parenting practices, neglect, abuse, maltreatment
   3.5) Social: Influence of peers; school context, work and leisure; community
   3.6) Protective factors
   3.7) Victim vulnerability factors
4. Theoretical integration of risk factors
5. From understanding to assessing and preventing criminal behavior

Suggested Bibliography:

• Andrews, D. A., & Bonta, J. (2016). The psychology of criminal conduct (6th Ed.). New York: Routledge.ISBN-10: 1316632210
• Ellis, L., Farrington, D.P. and Hoskin, A.W.(2019). Handbook of Crime Correlates (2nd ed.) London: Academic Press.ISBN- 978-02-12-804417-9
• Fonseca, A.C. (2004). Comportamento anti-social e crime: Da infância à idade adulta. Coimbra: Almedina.ISBN - 9789724022260
• Vazsonyi, A.T., Flann, D.J., & DeLisi , M. (2018). The Cambridge Handbook of Violent Behavior and Aggression - 2nd Edition. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
• Zara, G. & Farrington, D. P. (2016) Criminal Recidivism: Explanation, Prediction and Prevention. London: Routledge.ISBN-10: 1843927063