“Monsters are real, and ghosts are real too. They live inside us, and sometimes, they win.”- Stephen King
For years together now, doctors and psychologists have been studying the minds of criminals. What aligns them into reverse mannerisms? Is there a reason why they behave the way they do? Are there brain malfunctions that exist? All these questions have created sleepless nights for people as well as psychologists. Criminal psychology evolved in the 19th century. Wilhelm Wundt, the father of Psychology established the first laboratory in Germany. This was the beginning of the immense studies. Moreover, research on vague minds began.
In today’s Brag Social article we not only tap into the nuances of criminal psychology but also look at a variety of possibilities that are raging towards us in the future.
What is Criminal Psychology?
Source: Amazon
Psychologists also call ‘Criminal Psychology’ criminal anthropology. The real question is why does a person commit a crime in the first place? Be it menial or heinous. Psychologists also study factors such as how one reacts in court. Or what goes on in one’s mind when he or she pleads guilty. Criminal Psychologists study the thought processes of criminals. Moreover, they decode the brain mapping that takes place. Psychologists in these fields very rarely visit crime scenes. They are more likely to be found in their cabins looming over files. Furthermore, their entire analysis revolves around research papers and data equivalent to the criminal case.
Criminal Psychology also comes into play when investigators are questioning criminals. They can form questionnaires that can display the functionalities of the criminals. Another factor of this field is understanding whether the crimes were committed in a stable mental state. Or, was the criminal mentally unstable. They even study characteristics and personality traits. Everyone has specific attributes that compile to outline a human being. Criminal Psychologists can act as witnesses in court. Additionally, they can provide the judges with expert knowledge on the case. These added details can completely change the trail of the case.
Criminal Psychology also contains psychotherapy. Now consider a criminal with an unstable mind. Maybe the crime was committed as a result of childhood trauma. Or maybe there was some underlying mental health issue that caused the sin! In such situations, the criminal can be excused for better treatment. Such circumstances are rare but they exist. Although, it is a debatable topic of conversation. Further on, this field of study also includes teaching and an added section of forensic psychology.
The value of Criminal Psychology in today’s world:
With the crimes on the rise and unusual mindsets around us, the importance of criminal psychology has increased manifold. We live in a world where we try to keep our families safe and afloat. In such circumstances, criminal psychologists attune in adding that comfort. Although on a small scale, criminal psychologists go through intense training. Moreover, they aim on being an integral part of the entire procedure. From when the criminal is caught through the entire process of interrogation. Criminal psychologists assist law enforcement in reviewing the cases and arrest parties that are responsible.
Mind-blowing facts you cannot miss:
Source: Live Science
Visible deformity in the brain:
It is common knowledge that a human being functions when his brain cumulatively performs its duties. Although criminal psychologists have researched and found criminal minds may display disparities. There are some deformities in their brains that cause behavioral change. This is an extraordinary fact and can take a turn if revealed during case interrogations.
Childhood adversities:
Our childhoods are not our choice. Unfortunately, childhood traumas and adversities can cause a human being to pick up criminal behaviors. Psychologists commonly notice this factor that affects the way a person grows up. Children grow in unusual households. Furthermore, they can be victims of violent behavior from a very young age. This can be a major reason why people pick up violent conduct.
No connection between the brain and the facial expressions:
Criminal psychology includes research on the criminal mind on different levels and bounds. But, this next fact is a trait thriller genre lovers will recognize. An offender who commits heinous crimes is rather calm in his/her facial expressions. Psychologists have conducted various experiments. They noticed lawbreakers could not recognize facial expressions such as fear or sadness.
Source: Medium
Genetic Discrepancies:
Did you know variance in genetic combinations can lead to criminal behavior? Some criminal psychology research shows our biology can predispose criminal traits. This in no way means thieves are born that way. But, their biological disparities can be the added factor. The functionalities of our body and their fluids is another biological reason why a person may display criminal attributes.
Eminent Personalities in Criminal Psychology:
Hugo Munsterberg:
Hugo Munsterberg was one of the earliest contributors to criminal psychology. He also published a book called “On the Witness Stand”. This book vividly talked about how testimony reliability is vague and needs improvement. Additionally, he was a pioneer in the field of jury selection.
Canter, a criminal psychologist played a fundamental role in a British rape case. It is believed that he was the first person who used profiling to solve a case. He also is known to have contributed majorly to the field of investigative psychology.
John Douglas:
John Douglas is known for working in the FBI serial crime unit. He has worked on multiple high profile cases. And, he has given the criminal psychology world a lot of invaluable information. Furthermore, the director of ‘Silence of the Lambs’, looked up to Douglas. This movie was widely appreciated across the world.
In conclusion, criminal psychology is an interesting yet research-intensive field of study. People act irrationally. Moreover, they take ugly turns in their lives. Criminal Psychology believes in looking for ulterior reasons to forego peculiar behavioral patterns. This field is fairly new. But, the upcoming generations of psychologists find it an exciting background to belong to. Criminal Psychology allows you to explore the various depths of the brain. If you are lucky you could tap into different shades of behavior as well.
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