Nyra Rodgers
INT 411H
Dr. Arroyo
7 May 2014
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State facts about Juvenile delinquency in the United States.
Discuss Nature vs. Nurture.
Discuss John Bowlby attachment theory.
Erickson’s 8 stages of Psychosocial development: Trust vs. Mistrust and
Ego Identity vs. Role Confusion.
Discuss Lev Vygotsky theory and break down the Cycle of Violence.
Discuss Piaget’s preoperational stage in cognitive development.
Discuss the link between maltreatment and juvenile delinquent
behaviors.
Lawrence Kohlberg Moral of Development.
Discuss how violence in a child’s environment could lead to them
modeling negative behavior, and inappropriately seeking positive
reinforcement.
Discuss the Cynthoia, Wabash County Indiana Correctional facility, and
the child of rage Beth Thomas documentary youtube video.
Briefly discuss my brother’s history, and explain some possible theories to
his deviant behavior.
Explain my own philosophy about moral responsibilities.
There is a big problem in the United States when it comes to
Juvenile delinquency. To many of the children in American are being
given harsh sentences, and they are not getting the mental healthcare
that they desperately need. The U.S is the only nation that try
adolescence as adults and give them life sentences in adult correctional
facilities. In this presentation I focused on some theories by Eric
Erickson, Lawrence Kohlberg, Lev Vygotsky, and Jean Piaget that could
explain the reasons behind the negative and/or violent behavior of
adolescence . These different point of view shine a light on possible
disparities in childhood development that could lead to delinquent
behavior. A few documentaries of some of the most violent crimes
committed by youths, including my brother, was analyzed to create
some possible explanations as to why these crimes were committed.
And, to answer the question, Where did it all go wrong?
Key terms and phrases: maltreatment, delinquency, General Strain
Theory, The Cycle of Violence, maladaptive
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In 2011 there are 61, 423 juvenile offenders in the United States
(Office of Juvenile Justice).
According to U.S Department of Justice Office of Justice programs,
about 42,584 of the 61, 423 were placed in public facilities and
18,839 were placed in private facilities ( Office of Juvenile Justice)
521 juvenile offenders were Black, 112 were white, and 202 were
Hispanic ( Office of Juvenile Justice).
Of that 61,423 only 14% were female juvenile offenders (Office of
Juvenile Justice).
764 (1%) juvenile offenders were ages 12 and under.
The most prevalent age group was 17 years old. There were about
17,500 17 year old juvenile offenders is 2011 (Office of Juvenile
Justice).
The U.S has the highest incarceration rate in the world, and they
are the only nation to try juveniles as adults (Calamari
Production).
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Nature- behavior is
inborn, and due to
evolution, genes, and
chemical make-up of
the child (Brown, 2008).
DNA
 Brain development and
function
 Birth defects
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Nurture- behavior is
due to the environment
and learning
experiences of the child
(Brown, 2008).
Bonding between
parent and baby.
 Social environment
 Parenting styles
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 Authoritative
 Authoritarian
 Permissive
John Bowlby was a British psychologist who was
known for his work with attachment theory. Bowlby
believed that a bond between a mother and her child
was essential for the child’s emotional development
(Brown, 2008). The attachment process during infancy
provides a child with a sense of security (Brown, 2008).
If a mother and her child fail to bond, then the child
will develop attachment and separation issues,
abnormal emotional development, and psychopathy
(Brown, 2008).They would act out with negative
behavior with no remorse or empathy, and develop
conduct disorders, oppositional defiant disorder, and
reactive attachment disorder (Halgin & Whitbourne,
2013). Most fail at intimate relationships in their
adulthood (Brown, 2008).
Erik Erikson’s 8 stages of Psychosocial Development
Trust vs. Mistrust
(Infancy (0-1 ½
years)
Trust- comes from
consistent care
from parents or
caregiver
Mistrust-
develops when
there is lack of or
inconsistencies with
the care they are
receiving
Autonomy
vs. Shame
and doubt (1
½ to 3yrs)
Autono
mydevelop
a sense
of self
from
positive
interacti
on
Shame
and
doubt
comes
from
repeated
failures,
lack of
support
from
parents/
caregiver
s, and
overcontrolli
ng
parentin
Initiative vs.
Guilt (3 to
5yrs)
Industry vs.
Inferiority
(5- 12yrs)
Initiative
planning
and
problem
solving
and
creative
play
Industrymasterin
g
technical
skills,
using
basic
educatio
nal skill
to
express
one’s
self.
Guiltexcessive
punishm
ents,
controlli
ng
structure.
Inferiorit
yrestrictio
n of
educatio
nal and
technical
skills,
hindered
by to
much
self
criticism.
Ego Identity vs.
Role Confusion (1218 yrs)
Ego Identity-
establish a sense
of belonging with
peers. Who am I?
Role Confusiondevelop a negative
identity, sense of
rebellion
Intimacy vs.
Isolation (1840yrs)
Generativity
vs.
Stagnation
(40- 65)
Ego Integrity
vs. Despair
(65+ yrs)
Intimacy
Establish
intimate
bonds
and
committe
d
relations
hips.
Generati
vitypassing
on
knowled
ge to
younger
generatio
ns.
Ego
Integritysatisfied
with
one’s
life; no
regrets
Isolationloneliness;
failure to
create any
close
bonds
Stagnatio
n- self
centered
ness;
failing to
establish
a sense
of
commit
ment to
younger
the
generatio
n
Despairdissatisfa
ction
with
one’s
life;
feeling
bitter
and
angry
A very important stage of Erikson’s Psychosocial development
theory is the first stage, Trust vs. Mistrust. If a child basic need are
met and there are given love then trust is gained, but if the opposite
occurs Mistrust develops. An example of Mistrust is the story of
both Beth Thomas and Cyntoia Brown. Beth Thomas was sexually
abused as an infant by her biological father (MarkLegg87). She
developed an attachment disorder, and became very aggressive
toward her adoptive family and especially her biological brother
(MarkLegg87). She had homicidal thoughts and had no remorse for
her violent behavior (MarkLegg87). Beth had developed
psychopathic behavior (MarkLegg87). In the case of Cyntoia case
the same mistrust had developed because she was abandoned by
her mother as a child, and her household was unstable
(JayArgonaut). Cyntoia was sexual and physically abused, and she
formed a maladaptive attitude towards sex (JayArgonaut). As an
adolescent, Cyntoia lived a life of prostitution, and developed
delinquent behaviors (JayArgonaut). Her behavior manifested into
Erikson’s fifth stage of Role Confusion (JayArgonaut).
Another important stage is Erickson’s
Psychosocial Development theory is the fifth stage,
the Ego Identity vs. Role Confusion. It is where a
child enters into adolescence and therefore goes
through puberty (Kirst-Ashman & Zastrow, 2010).
A child struggles to find out who they are (KirstAshman & Zastrow, 2010). An undesirable
resolution to this crisis can lead to a negative
identity and juvenile delinquency (Kirst-Ashman
& Zastrow, 2010).. Bad behaviors can cause
rejection and isolation from peers. Antisocial
personality disorders is a result of Role Confusion
(Haglin & Whitbourne, 2013).
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Vygotsky’s developed the sociocultural theory in child
cognitive development (Kirst-Ashman & Zastrow, 2010).
A child is influences by their social and cultural
environment (Kirst-Ashman & Zastrow, 2010).
Culture, beliefs, and traditions are all a part of a child’s
learning environment (Kirst-Ashman & Zastrow, 2010).
They learn from their caregivers, family, peers, and, and
teachers (Kirst-Ashman & Zastrow, 2010).
Language and communication skills are essential for
development (Kirst-Ashman & Zastrow, 2010).
Learning is continuous throughout a person’s life; from
birth to death (Kirst-Ashman & Zastrow, 2010).
There are no stages, because learning occurs at different
times and at different rates (Kirst-Ashman & Zastrow, 2010).
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Television and video games impact a child’s behavior and cognitive development (KirstAshman & Zastrow, 2010).
A child watching violent shows or playing violent video games can develop violent
behavior and aggressive attitudes ( Kirst-Ashman & Zastrow, 2010).
The opposite can occur also. A child who watches positive TV shows that encourage
good behavior positive coping skills, and education (i.e Sesame Street, Between the
Lions, and Doc McStuffins)can develop positive attitude and great relationships.
Peers play a major role in the development of an adolescence personality (Little &
Mroczek, 2006).
During adolescence the amount of time spent with their peers increases (Little &
Mroczek, 2006).
A youth is under more pressure to be accepted by their peers and fall victim to peer
pressure than any other time in their life (Little & Mroczek, 2006).
If a child’s environment is filled with violence then more than likely that child will
develop violent and aggressive behavior (Trickett, Negriff, Juye, & Peckins, 2011). An
example would be juvenile offender Robert Bealer in the documentary video “Young
kids, Hard time”. All he knew growing up was violence (Trickett, Negriff, Juye, &
Peckins, 2011). He witnessed his father being killed, and majority of his male family
members were locked up. He has never gotten counseling, and it even seems like he
enjoyed being locked up (Trickett, Negriff, Juye, & Peckins, 2011).
Victim or witness
of violence over
time.
Maltreatment of their
child(ren).
Progression into adulthood
Develop violent and
aggressive behavior,
depression, and/or develop a
antisocial personality disorder
Commit violent crimes
and end up in the juvenile
facility or prison as a
youth.
Retrieved from answers.mheducation.com/psychology/branches/psychology/human-development.
Jean Piaget developed a set of stages that an individual progresses
through their life span (Kirst-Ashman & Zastrow, 2010). The four stages
begins from birth and continue until adulthood (Kirst-Ashman &
Zastrow, 2010). The four stages are the Sensorimotor stage,
Preoperational stage, Concrete Operational stage, and the Formal
Operational stage (Kirst-Ashman & Zastrow, 2010). According to Piaget, a
person can not pass to the other stage without first complete the stage of
development that they are on. The Preoperational stage is the stage that
logical thinking begins (Kirst-Ashman & Zastrow, 2010). This is also the
stage where egocentrism obscures their logic (Kirst-Ashman & Zastrow,
2010). A child is only able to see from their own point of view (KirstAshman & Zastrow, 2010). Their needs are the only one that matters.
Therefore, the child is unable to be empathetic towards others, and they
feel that if the rules doesn’t suite their immediate desires then they will
not follow them (Kirst-Ashman & Zastrow, 2010). Sigmund Freud would
say that the ID has taken over at this stage. The child is more likely to get
into trouble if the appropriate attention and guidance is not learnt.
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According to Bender, Postlewait, Thompson and Springer (2011) research shows the
correlation between the maltreatment of children and youth delinquent behavior.
Maltreatment is physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and abandonment (Bender,
Postlewait, Thompson, & Springer, 2011).
Maltreatment can result in PTSD and depression (Bender, Postlewait, Thompson, & Springer,
2011).
Delinquency is rule breaking in public settings or crimes committed by minors that violate
federal, state, or local laws (Bender, Postlewait, Thompson, & Springer, 2011).
Maltreatment of a child can lead to negative emotional responses (Bender, Postlewait,
Thompson, & Springer, 2011). For example Lily hitting Mary because Mary disagreed with
her. Or, it can lead to delinquent behavior, for example Mike stealing from a store.
Maltreated Children usually bond better with other children who have also been problematic
or mistreated (Trickett, Negriff, Juye, & Peckins, 2011).
This peer relationship creates a an unhealthy relationship and contributes to antisocial
behavior (Trickett, Negriff, Juye, & Peckins, 2011) .
Racism, prejudices, and other race related stressors are factors that contribute to delinquent
behavior (Bender, Postlewait, Thompson, & Springer, 2011).
General Strain Theory- is the an traumatic event that causes a strain in the child’s
development (Bender, Postlewait, Thompson, & Springer, 2011).
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He was born and reared on the island of St. Croix.
He grew up in a house with two older siblings.
He was six years younger than the sibling before him; his oldest sister.
He attended both private and public elementary schools.
Grew up in a suburban neighborhood, had lots of friends.
Played on a baseball team up until middle school.
Father was in the picture.
Started hanging out with a bad crowd, started smoking, had a bad temper, and was very
disrespectful to his mother.
He was sent to live with older brother in Orlando.
Started hanging out with wrong crowd, got in trouble at school, and was suspended.
He got arrested, was placed on parole, and eventually was sent back home to his mother.
He was unable to hold a job, hung out with a bad crowd, and eventually was sent to a Job Corp.
in Boston.
He ran away from the Job Corp. before he could finish, and ended up living with his aunt and
cousins in Philadelphia.
As he got older he went to live with his other cousins in New York. They helped him find a job.
His cousins were not the best role models.
He got into a heated argument with the cousin he was living with, and soon after he moved back
home with his mother.
He hung out and smoked a lot. He made attempts to find a job, and finish his GED.
He smoked and sold marijuana.
He and two other guys decided to commit robbery, and was caught by police.
He got shot by police and died at the scene. He was only 22 years old.
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Nature vs. Nurture: He was either born bad, or his environment
influenced his deviant behaviors.
Piaget: He was stuck in the preoperational period. His egocentrism, or
Freudian ID did not allow him to think logically and he was controlled
by impulses that are governed by the pleasure principle.
Erickson: He may have felt neglected by his siblings and mother as an
infant and developed a mistrust to those around him. During adolescence
his negative identity contributed to his bad behaviors or vice versa, and it
progressed as he got older.
Vygotsky: It was his social environment that influenced his negative
behavior. He learned from the bad company he hung around, the TV
shows he watched, the video games he played, and the music he listened
to.
Kohlberg: During the development of his preconventional and
conventional stages he desperately sought the approval of his peers and
therefore gave in to peer pressure.
He was influenced by his peers.
My mothers parenting style affected his attitude and behavior.
It could have been the drug he took that influenced his behavior.
He experiences a traumatic event sometime in his childhood, and he
never learned how to cope so he engaged in bad behavior in order to
mask his true emotions.
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I do believe in the biblical saying that “if you spare the rod, you spoil the child.”
Now some people may take that quote to mean that corporal punishment is a
must, but I see it differently. Even though I received corporal punishment as a
child, and I feel I turned out okay, I don’t believe it should be universal. I also don’t
think of the word “rod” in the literal sense. “The Rod” can be any form of
punishment that a parent or caregiver gives their child. I just believe that their
should be some form of punishment for bad behavior. A child who does not get
punished will grow up thinking that it is okay to break the rules.
I feel that some form of religion or spirituality is essential to a child's cognitive and
moral development. Having a healthy fear and great respect for a being that is
higher than anything in your secular world results in a positive outlook on life,
moral development, frequent good decision making, and alleviates feeling of
rejection and isolation.
I agree with Vygotsky in that a child’s sociocultural environment greatly influences
a child’s cognitive development, and that learning occurs throughout a person’s
lifespan. But just like a child can learn violent behavior because they were exposed
to it, I believe that it can be unlearned. I also do not place all the blame on the
environment. At some point in life, like at Piaget’s Formal operational stage and
Kohlberg’s Conventional stage, that a child/ adolescence is capable of being in
charge of their own decisions.
There is more than one reasons why a child would turn
to bad behavior. There are a few development theories that
gives insight as to the when and how things went wrong.
The first few days of an infants life are the most important.
It is when a child develops a bond with their parents or
caregiver. If the attachment bonding process is not a positive
experience, a child will develop aggressive and violent
behavior. Maltreatment at any point in a person’s life could
have a negative effect on their cognitive development.
Mental Health Services is vital to provide troubled juveniles
that are at risk for delinquent behavior. Behavior that could
land them in jail or even dead. There are so many theories
that could explain and answer the question, Where did it all
go wrong? The only person that knows why my brother did
what he did that got him killed is him. I do know now that
there are warning signs that we either fail to see or choose to
ignore. Every child is worth saving.
Links to the youtube videos:
Wabash County Juvenile Facility:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3lw6PMjj40
Cyntoia Brown:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLyenhWO
wg8
Beth Thomas:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2-Re_Fl_L4
Bender, K., Postlewait, A. W., Thompson, S. J., & Springer, D. W. (2011). Internalizing
Symptoms Linking Youths' Maltreatment and Delinquent Behavior. Child Welfare,
90(3), 69-89.
Brown, C. (2008). Developmental Psychology. California: SAGE Publication Inc.
Calamari Production. (5 June 2012). Young Kids, Hard time Director’s Cut [Video file].
Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3lw6PMjj40
Halgin, R.P., & Whitbourne, S.K. (2013). Development- Related Disorders. Abnormal
Psychology: Clinical perspective on psychological disorders (pp. 250-295). New York:
McGraw Hill Companies Inc.
JayArgonaut. (2 May 2013). “The 16 Year Old Killer” Cyntoia’s story (full documentary)
[Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLyenhWOwg8
Kirst-Ashman, K.K., & Zastrow, C.H. (2010). Psychology Development in Infancy and
Childhood. Understanding Human Behavior and the Social Environment (pp. 1-727).
California: Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning.
Little, T.D., & Mroczek, D.K. (2006). Handbook of Personality Development. New Jersey:
Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Inc.
MarkLegg87. (18 October 2011). Child of Rage The Full Documentary [Video file].
Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2-Re_Fl_L4
Trickett, P. K., Negriff, S., Juye, J., & Peckins, M. (2011). Child Maltreatment and
Adolescent Development. Journal Of Research On Adolescence , 21(1), 3-20.
doi:10.1111/j.1532-7795.2010.00711.
U.S Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs. Office of Juvenile Justice and
Delinquency Prevention. Retrieved from
http://www.ojjdp.gov/tools/statistics.html