Question

Question 1- Theories

Examine the Moffitt Developmental Theory, Coercion Development Model and the Developmental Dual Systems Model of Adolescent Risk Taking.

Compare and contrast these three development theories.

Which do you agree with the strongest and why? Please bring in outside resources to support your rationale.

Answer 1

Moffit developmental theory includes the analysis of behavior of offenders involved in crime. There are constant patterns of misbehavior observed throughout the life of a criminal with no change. There are adolescent offenders also which persist due to exposure to traumatic environmental situations in life. These criminals have deviant lifestyles leading to progression of criminal activities in life. There are various structural disadvantages which lead to adolescent criminal misbehavior in society. Therefore there are two groups called as a life persistent group and adolescent limited group.

There is Patterson Coercion theory-- It analyzes the importance of negative reinforcement in control of aggressive behavior in life. There are negative tactics used by family members to control and regulate aggressive behavior in life. There are various threats and promises associated with this model. It can lead to punishment or rewards in the form of contracts. Punishment in possible in conditions of high levels of interdependence whereas reward is possible in condition of trust.

Risk taking behavior in adolescent stage is attributed to changes in the limbic and paralimbic system in brain. There are changes in the levels of dopamine in brain. There are reward systems which maintain the behavior of people in society. The self-reported impulsivity decreases with increasing age and is least at about 26-30 years of age as compared to the age group 10-11 years of age when the impulsivity is high.Reward seeking also decreases with age and is more in childhood. It consists of reward system with seeking great levels of sensation, preference for immediate attainment of rewards. There is a cognitive control system which controls impulse, strategic planning and anticipation in life. There is a delay in achiveing gratification. Therefore this model is powerful over other models studied.