CJUS343 Theory and Cognitive Restructuring

Assignment Details

Psychological and sociological theories provide insight into the behaviors and actions of people and groups. These theories explain how people may choose to commit crimes.

Watch the following video to learn more strategies that people use to become successful:

Watch the following video to learn about strategies to develop positive behavioral habits:

For this assignment, apply either the psychological theory or the sociological theory to Suzanne’s situation.

Suzanne, 25 years old, remained largely untouched by the criminal justice system throughout her early life. During her adolescence, she frequently skipped school, faced expulsion from high school, and engaged in alcohol and tobacco consumption. Remarkably, however, she avoided any run-ins with law enforcement during this period. As she transitioned into young adulthood, Suzanne obtained a cosmetology degree. She embarked on a career cutting hair at a popular local salon, achieving financial stability as a single mother of two children.

Despite her success, Suzanne’s life was downturned when she was laid off from her job. Struggling to secure alternative employment, she began frequenting bars and neglecting her parental responsibilities. Subsequently, Suzanne escalated her alcohol consumption as a coping mechanism. Additionally, she entered into a relationship with an individual she met at a bar, leading her down the path of serial shoplifting to provide for her family and purchase a new car. Ultimately, Suzanne’s criminal activities resulted in her arrest, leading to the placement of her children in foster care.

The court mandated Suzanne to attend drug and alcohol treatment sessions and job training programs as part of her sentencing. During this process, she admitted to consuming alcohol before losing her job, but her drinking intensified afterward. She attributed her criminal activities to the desire to support her family and garner affection from her new boyfriend.

In 3–5 pages, explain your reason for the theory you selected. Answer the following:

Describe the presentation of noxious stimuli and how that impacted Suzanne’s behavior.

Explain the effect of the removal of positive stimuli or failure to achieve goals in Suzanne’s behavior.

What role did her new boyfriend play in her choices? Relate your chosen theory to Suzanne’s life, as described, and explain why she has resorted to criminal activity.

Describe why you think cognitive behavioral programs would or would not be helpful to Suzanne.

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