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Baroness Thompson A2:M3

Crime and Causes: PSY493

Instructor: Jon Stern

September, 24 2009

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Freudian Theories and Skinnerian Theories

I would be able to evaluate various aspect of the Boston Stranglers behavior, as a

forensic psychologist. He displayed various anti social and narcissistic psychopathic

personalities. His treatment would be long term. His crimes have been so malign; the

justice system would have to evaluate his mind set.

Freud psychodynamic theories focused on three Particular levels of

consciousness, (ArgosyOnline2009). These levels could be related to family issues. The

Boston strangler may have felt detached from his mother. In his psychopathic personality

mindset, he turned his rage on women and society. He may have felt unwanted in society.

His family memories can cause maladaptive behavior, (ArgosyOnline2009). If an

individual can’t adjust to his or her surroundings, issue will be prevalent.

This maladaptive behavior may become a new unwanted violent repressed

behavior. I believe the brain can only hold so much. His brain storage can be filled with

joyful or repressed child hood memories.

Skinner focused on operant conditioning, (ArgosyOnline2009). I would suggest

skinners belief may correlate, with our environment and how we react to various stimuli.

This stimulus can be wanted or needed. Skinner suggests a behavior will occur again, in

relation to Operational therapy, (ArgosyOnline2009).

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Skinner would suggest a Boston strangler has learned this behavior from his or

surroundings. The criminal behavior he displayed was learned. A positive reinforcer

would be no jail. A negative reinforces would have to be researched.

Based on goals to help the Boston strangler, as a criminal, we have to look at

previous individuals with this malign mind sets. There may be a correlation in the

environment or childhood upbringing. Long term evaluation is mandatory. He hasn’t

leaned from his or crime; Operant conditioning would be applicable to an extent. While

he is in jail observation is necessary.

In closing, I believe he will continue to kill and will be unable to learn from a

mistake. His psychopathic personality is deeply rooted. Nevertheless, jail would be the

negative reinforces. That should change his behavior.

Goals of therapy in Skinners psychodynamic theories, suggest individuals

behavior could be replaced, (ArgosyOnline2009)... His behavior is from a need that

hasn’t been meeting. This need could have fluctuated throughout his from life. The need

may or not be a justified. We have to Justify are needs are verbalally.We all have and

need various natural wants. If he is anti social verbal or visual prompts aren’t applicable.

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