NCJ Number
167742
Date Published
1997
Length
34 pages
Annotation
In examining potential contributions of developmental theories to adult criminality, this article considers biological changes with age, as well as life span changes in cognitive, moral, intellectual, and personality development, and discusses normative life events in relation to influences that can be traced to social roles.
Abstract
Among the issues that stand out in the study of adult criminality is the need to adopt a long-term perspective of development. There are at least four interrelated reasons why a broader time perspective should be considered: (1) adulthood covers a substantial portion of the life cycle; (2) developmental change proceeds slowly in adulthood, compared to childhood, and researchers need sufficient time to observe developmental processes at work; (3) the timing of many important experiences and life events in adulthood varies significantly and some of these events and experiences are repeated in nonidentical ways; and (4) it is important to investigate behavior patterns into middle adulthood and preferably beyond. Research indicates changes in intelligence, personality, cognitive functioning, moral judgment, and role socialization are related to criminal behavior throughout adolescence and adulthood. Research also shows adult socialization experiences influence behavior by means of socioemotional and sociocognitive skills. Further, the adoption of new social roles in the transition from adolescence to adulthood is a critical aspect of development, and the course of biological development intersects with aspects of psychological development. Additional research is recommended to investigate developmental aspects of adult crime, particularly to study persons who begin their criminal careers in adulthood. 73 references