Criminal psychology

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Criminal Psychology

Criminal psychology, also referred to as criminological psychology, is the study of the wills, thoughts, intentions, and reactions of criminals and those who engage in criminal behavior.

Pronunciation

Criminal psychology: /ˈkrɪmɪnəl saɪˈkɒlədʒi/

Etymology

The term "criminal psychology" is derived from the Latin word "crimen", meaning "charge, indictment" and the Greek word "psyche", meaning "soul, mind".

Overview

Criminal psychology is related to the field of criminal justice and is often practiced by psychologists who work in police departments, prisons, and other law enforcement settings. Criminal psychologists are trained to assess the psychological makeup of criminals, including their intentions, reactions, and behavior patterns. They often work with law enforcement agencies to help them understand the motivations behind criminal behavior and to develop strategies for preventing future crimes.

Related Terms

  • Forensic psychology: This is the intersection between psychology and the justice system. It involves understanding fundamental legal principles, particularly with regard to expert witness testimony and the specific content area of concern.
  • Criminal profiling: This is an investigative strategy used by law enforcement agencies to identify likely suspects and has been used by investigators to link cases that may have been committed by the same perpetrator.
  • Criminology: This is the scientific study of the nature, extent, management, causes, control, consequences, and prevention of criminal behavior, both on individual and social levels.
  • Psychopathology: This is the study of mental disorders, including their genetic, biological, psychological, and social causes; their course; and their treatment.

See Also

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