Introduction
This essay examines the case of Ben Wheeler, an individual with a history of criminal activity since his teenage years, including multiple charges for narcotic possession and a recent charge of drug trafficking. Drawing on criminological theories, the discussion will focus on three psychological causes that may explain why Ben turned to a life of crime. By exploring concepts such as strain theory, social learning theory, and psychological trauma, this analysis aims to provide a sound understanding of the potential underlying factors contributing to his behaviour. The essay will also briefly consider the limitations of these perspectives, offering a balanced view of their applicability to Ben’s situation.
Strain Theory and Psychological Stress
One possible explanation for Ben’s criminal activity lies in strain theory, initially developed by Robert Merton (1938), which suggests that individuals may turn to crime when they experience a disconnect between societal goals and the means available to achieve them. Psychologically, this strain can manifest as stress or frustration, particularly if Ben faced economic hardship or social exclusion from an early age. For instance, if he grew up in a disadvantaged environment where legitimate opportunities for success—such as stable employment or education—were limited, he might have resorted to drug-related crimes as an alternative means of achieving financial stability or social status. This perspective highlights the psychological toll of unfulfilled aspirations, which can drive individuals towards deviant behaviour. However, strain theory may oversimplify Ben’s motivations, as it does not account for personal agency or other influencing factors.
Social Learning Theory and Peer Influence
Another psychological cause can be understood through social learning theory, proposed by Albert Bandura (1977), which posits that individuals learn behaviours through observing and imitating others, especially within close social circles. If Ben was exposed to peers or family members involved in criminal activities during his formative years, he may have internalised these behaviours as acceptable or even desirable. Psychologically, this process involves reinforcement; positive outcomes, such as financial gain or social approval from peers, could have encouraged Ben to continue engaging in narcotic possession and trafficking. For example, associating with a group that normalised drug use might have shaped his attitudes and diminished his perception of risk. While this theory provides insight into learned behaviour, it is limited in explaining why some individuals resist such influences despite similar exposure.
Psychological Trauma and Emotional Coping
Finally, psychological trauma offers a compelling explanation for Ben’s criminal trajectory. Research suggests that early adverse experiences, such as abuse, neglect, or loss, can profoundly impact emotional regulation and decision-making, often leading to maladaptive coping mechanisms like substance abuse or criminal activity (Felitti et al., 1998). If Ben experienced trauma during his childhood or adolescence, he might have turned to drugs as a form of self-medication to alleviate emotional pain, eventually escalating to trafficking as a means of sustaining this habit. This perspective underscores the psychological wounds that can underpin criminal behaviour, though it requires specific evidence of Ben’s personal history to be fully applicable. Indeed, without detailed biographical data, this remains a speculative yet plausible cause.
Conclusion
In summary, this essay has explored three psychological causes for Ben Wheeler’s criminal activity through the lenses of strain theory, social learning theory, and psychological trauma. Each framework offers valuable insights into how stress, social influences, and emotional distress might have driven Ben towards a life of crime, from narcotic possession to drug trafficking. While these theories provide a sound foundation for understanding his behaviour, they also carry limitations, as they may not fully capture the complexity of his individual circumstances. Therefore, a deeper investigation into Ben’s personal history and broader social context would be necessary to refine these explanations. This analysis highlights the importance of psychological perspectives in criminology for both understanding criminal behaviour and informing potential interventions, such as rehabilitation programs tailored to address underlying emotional or social issues.
References
- Bandura, A. (1977) Social Learning Theory. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.
- Felitti, V. J., Anda, R. F., Nordenberg, D., Williamson, D. F., Spitz, A. M., Edwards, V., Koss, M. P., & Marks, J. S. (1998) Relationship of childhood abuse and household dysfunction to many of the leading causes of death in adults: The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 14(4), 245-258.
- Merton, R. K. (1938) Social structure and anomie. American Sociological Review, 3(5), 672-682.
