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wk2 presentation

cps//240 behaviour in criminals slide show

jessica233
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wk2 presentation

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  1. Understanding Criminal Behavior: Biological vs. Psychological Perspectives Presented by: Jessica Llanera 07/14/2025

  2. Why Understanding Criminal Behavior Matters

  3. Case #1 – Ted Bundy • Who Was Ted Bundy? • Serial killer active in the 1970s • Convicted of killing over 30 young women • Charismatic, educated, and manipulative

  4. Biological Perspective – Ted Bundy • Possible brain abnormalities linked to antisocial behavior • Research on Bundy’s possible frontal lobe damage • Genetic predispositions: low arousal levels, lack of empathy • Studies link Bundy’s traits to biological factors common in psychopaths

  5. Psychological Perspective – Ted Bundy • Diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder • Traumatic childhood: abandonment, identity confusion • Used charm and manipulation as coping mechanisms • Attachment theory and psychodynamic factors

  6. Comparing Perspectives – Ted Bundy • Biological:Brain deficits and genetics may explain his lack of remorse • Psychological: Personality disorder and early trauma shaped behavior. The Psychological perspective offers deeper insight into how he developed into a killer • Relevance: Officers dealing with manipulative offenders must understand personality disorders and trauma responses

  7. Case #2 – Andrea Yates • Who Is Andrea Yates? • Drowned her 5 children in 2001 • History of severe postpartum psychosis and depression • Highly publicized trial involving mental health and criminal responsibility

  8. Biological Perspective – Andrea Yates • Family history of mental illness • Hormonal changes from childbirth are linked to psychosis • Neurological effects from untreated postpartum conditions

  9. Psychological Perspective – Andrea Yates • Diagnosed with postpartum psychosis and major depressive disorder • Delusions involving religion and morality • Psychodynamic theory: conflict between maternal identity and self-worth

  10. Comparing Perspectives – Andrea Yates • Biological: Hormonal imbalances and mental illness. • Psychological: Severe delusions and depressive psychosis. The Psychological perspective provides a more complete picture of her actions • Relevance: Officers need to recognize when mental health crises may underlie criminal acts

  11. Summary of Key Points • Criminal behavior is influenced by both biology and psychology • Ted Bundy: Psychological analysis provides the most explanatory power • Andrea Yates: Psychological illness was the primary driver • Relevance: Officers must be able to recognize behavioral health warning signs

  12. Application to Law Enforcement

  13. References • Hare, R. D. (2003). Without Conscience: The Disturbing World of the Psychopaths Among Us. • Resnick, P. J., & Knoll, J. L. (2005). Postpartum psychosis: A case of Andrea Yates. Journal of Forensic Sciences. • American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed., text rev.).

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