ABSTRACT
Juvenile delinquency is a complex phenomenon. When considering the causes of crime, the effects of internal and external factors are quite important. More precisely, we can talk about factors related to society and factors related to the individual. If we examine the causes of crime in terms of factors related to the individual, psychological theories find application in this very part of criminological studies. It would not be right to stick to a single theory when considering juvenile delinquency, which is generally of close interest to criminology and criminal law. However, considering the changes children show in their developmental stages, psychological theories are inevitable when explaining this phenomenon. Psychodynamic, social learning and cognitive theories are particularly important in explaining juvenile delinquency within the scope of psychological theories. The psychodynamic perspective emphasizes the influence of unconscious processes, unresolved conflicts from childhood, and the role of family dynamics in shaping an individual’s propensity for delinquency. The social learning approach highlights the significance of environmental factors and observational learning. This perspective argues that adolescents learn behaviors through the modeling of significant others, such as peers and family members. The reinforcement of these behaviors through positive and negative feedback further contributes to the persistence of delinquent actions. The cognitive approach focuses on the mental processes that underpin decision-making and the interpretation of social cues. It suggests that delinquents often exhibit cognitive distortions, such as attributing blame or justifying harmful actions, which skew their perceptions of morality and consequence. This perspective underscores the importance of cognitive restructuring and intervention programs aimed at fostering critical thinking and empathy to combat delinquency.
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