Examples Of Developmental Theories

Developmental theories have been produced to focus on the individual and efforts to develop them in life (Bohm & Vogel, 2011). Supporters of developmental theories believe that individuals face certain factors at certain times in their lives and this can have a huge influence on whether or not they fall prey to delinquent behavior (Bohm & Vogel, 2011). A common example of this would be the family life when someone is a child. This factor of what kind of family life a child has, many believe, significantly impacts the potential for criminal conduct (Bohm & Vogel, 2011). One of the principles founded on developmental theories is that a person is more apt to commit criminal conduct if their relationship to society is diminished (Bohm & Vogel,
The relationship that a person has with society constantly changes over the course of their life (Bohm & Vogel, 2011). In fact, “life-course”, is another term for developmental theory and this discipline observes four elements. “Onset” is the first element, and this basically means the time when criminal behavior began (Bohm &
It’s important to note that most do not consistently behave in criminal conduct. Most have only certain periods in their life-course that this occurs, but the majority of a persons life-course is consistent with good behavior (Bohm & Vogel, 2011). The third element is referred to as either “change” or “turning points” (Bohm & Vogel, 2011). Developmental theorists believe that at certain times in a person’s life-course, their behavior changes. This can be based on an individual’s age commonly known from the adolescent years to adulthood (Bohm & Vogel, 2011). The last element is “desistance”, which is the cessation of committing criminal behavior (Bohm & Vogel, 2011). Developmental theorists believe that a significant change in someone’s life is the primary cause of desistance (Bohm & Vogel, 2011). This could include becoming a parent or being sent of to fight in war (Bohm & Vogel, 2011). These changes have a direct and meaningful change in a persons regular day to day activities allowing for the change needed to separate from criminal conduct (Bohm & Vogel, 2011). Developmental theories were founded in the 1990’s and have been growing an attraction by more and more researchers