Understanding Psychology and Crime

*What contributions can psychology make to the understanding of crime?

*How can theories of crime that focus on the individual be integrated in a wider social perspective?

*How can psychological models and research be applied in crime prevention and the reduction of repeat offending?

This book bridges the gap between criminology and psychological perspectives and ideas concerning crime. It sets this in historical context and provides an outline of the contributions that psychological approaches can make understanding crime and how to respond to it. It is argued that some objections to the use of psychology within criminology are based on outdated or erroneous conceptions about psychology itself. Throughout the book there is an emphasis on the close relationships between theory, research and practice, and a central part of this is to demonstrate how a methodical approach to the study of criminal behaviour can generate both systematic findings and practical solutions to problems. This authoritative and stimulating text provides essential reading for courses in criminology and psychology alike, moving from theory and research to how such ideas can be applied in crime prevention and reduction, and concluding with discussion of the ethical and political implications.