...Applying Theories and Concepts There are many theories throughout sociology and criminology that explain deviance and why individuals involve themselves in deviant activities and become deviant. In this particular case study there a many theories that an individual could apply to Kevin and his deviant behavior, but the three theories that I view as the best to explain Kevin’s deviance and behavior that was studied. The three theories that apply best to Kevin’s particular aspects of deviance are Social Bond Theory, Social Learning Theory, and Reaction Formation Theory. Social Bond Theory is a theory that states that if an individual has strong relationships and or bonds , and values, then they will not involve themselves in deviant behavior whether they have deviant friends or not. The theory also says that if the individuals lack these values and or strong relationships, then they fall back on peers in search of those bonds whether they are negative or positive ones. In relationship to Kevin, this theory plays a role in his deviant behaviors because of his relationship with his family and then his involvement in deviant behaviors with his peers. Kevin’s parents were divorced and his mother eventually remarried when he was in the seventh grade. His relationship with his step-father was negative relationships which often lead to arguments and or confrontations between Kevin and his stepfather and Kevin’s mother and step-father, do to his step-fathers alcoholism. Social Learning...
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...smoking/inhaling the drug effectively so that the individual can gain the effects/symptoms acquired from marijuana. It is very unlikely for someone to become a user if they feel incapable of properly “taking in” the drug. In the second step, an individual must gain knowledge of what the symptoms from marijuana use are in order to understand their surroundings (both internally and externally) when becoming “high”. This will lessen any fear or anxiety prior to smoking making the experience more approachable and hopefully more enjoyable. Lastly, learning to enjoy the effects of marijuana is necessary in becoming a marijuana user. If a person associates marijuana use with an unfavorable experience, he or she may turn away from its consumption all together; therefore, it is vital to find pleasure and...
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...Drugs in AMerica | From Sea to Shining Sea | Patricia Diaz | 000348122 | GLT 1 111.6.2 | 2/5/2014 | | “Drugs in America from sea to shining sea” Drug use in the United States has been on a steady rise. This is largely due to the increasing popularity of Marijuana. Marijuana was on the decline from the 1990s to mid to late 2000s but has been on a steady increase since then. This is due to the changing perception and attitudes towards marijuana. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, in 2013, 7.0 percent of 8th graders, and 22.7 percent of 12th graders used marijuana in the last month. Why this sharp increase? This is related to state’s passing of legislation for the legalization of marijuana. This cannot help in the war on drugs. The use of marijuana has been shown to be the gateway to other more illicit drugs. Medical Marijuana has been in use for many years in the United States. It has been touted as the new miracle drug. While there are benefits to this drug the long term effects are still being analyzed. It has been said to help prevent blindness from Glaucoma; an appetite stimulant in Aids patients; and helps controls muscle spasms in Multiple Sclerosis patients. It can also have negative side effects such as paranoia, feeling of panic, hallucinations, and anxiety. People also have complained to short term memory loss, mood swings, perceptions and information processing. Why are there two different spectrum of the “miracle...
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...focus on heavy drug use have been on the rise. One show in particular, Breaking Bad, has been a major hit with teens and young adults. A total of 10.3 million viewers tuned into watch the show’s series finale, 5.2 million of which were adults age 18-49 (Entertainment Weekly). Focusing on the drug business regarding crystal meth Breaking Bad depicts a thrillingly dangerous lifestyle. The show has developed a dedicated following, but one cannot help but wonder, what effect is this type of show having on its viewers? One might assume that television programming would have a strong influence on the habits of young viewers, so the main question is: what, if any, is the correlation between the increase in drug use on television and drug use among teens and young adults? There is a large amount of drug use on television, ranging from programming to advertising during commercial breaks. A study titled “Television Advertising and Drug Use,” published in the American Journal of Public Health, “investigated TV drug advertising as a factor in encouraging the abuse of legitimate and illegitimate drugs” (Peterson et al). The purpose of the study was to determine whether or not current National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) guidelines regarding drug advertising commercials are strict enough. While the discussion portion of the study revealed that there is room for improvement, it also stated: Our findings do not establish a causal link between drug advertising and drug abuse. However...
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..."a behavioral pattern of drug use, characterized by overwhelming involvement with the use of a drug (compulsive use), the securing of its supply and a high tendency to relapse after withdrawal. In addition, it is characterized by craving, withdrawal and tolerance." Schuckit (1992, p. 182) believes addiction involves the “continued, self-administered use of a substance despite substance-related problems, and it results in tolerance for the substance, withdrawal from the substance, and compulsive drug-taking behavior due to cravings.” The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-V), combined the DSM-IV categories of Substance Abuse and Substance Dependence into a single category of Substance Use Disorder (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2013). The DSM-V covers 11 criteria for Substance Use Disorder: 1) taking the substance in larger amounts or for longer than the you meant to; 2) wanting to cut down or stop using the substance but not managing to; 3) spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from use of the substance; 4) cravings and urges to use the substance; 5) not managing to do what you should at work, home or school, because of substance use; 6) continuing to use, even when it causes problems in relationships; 7) giving up important social, occupational or recreational activities because of substance use; 8) using substances again and again, even when it puts the you in danger; 9) continuing to use, even when the you know...
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...'Discuss one or more learning explanations of addiction' The social learning theory puts forward the idea that addiction occurs through observation and communication. The individual is motivated to engage in behaviors whose outcome is valued in which they feel capable of performing effectively. Therefore if the user learns about the positive consequences of the drug use weather they are learnt directly from the drug use itself of through vicarious learning, they are more likely to repeat the drug use. A good example of vicarious learning would be that of smoking. The initial experience of smoking is unpleasant. Operant theory states that this powerful punishment, directly associated with the act of smoking, should lead to an immediate cessation of such behavior. Vicarious learning suggests that at the same time the individual experiences the first consequences of smoking, they also observed in others that smoking could be an enjoyable and rewarding behavior, so they persist in the expectation of future enjoyment. Models can be Family and friends but the media also provides an enormous number of models of behavior. High status persons exert a stronger influence on behavior than low status individuals (Winett et al 1989). Modeling can be used to teach skills necessary to achieve behavioral change, or increased efficacy expectations through seeing others attempting and succeeding in change. Because most drugs have positive and negative effects, users are motivated to...
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...European Journal of Counselling Psychology ejcop.psychopen.eu | 2195-7614 Social Learning Conceptualization for Substance Abuse: Implications for Therapeutic Interventions a Theodoros Giovazolias* , Olga Themeli a [a] Department of Psychology, University of Crete, Rethymno, Greece. Abstract Substance misuse and abuse among adolescents and young adults, especially students, remain a significant public health issue, often associated with serious academic, psychological and health problems. Theoretical models of social behaviour emphasize the importance of peer behaviour as a modelling or normative influence. The processes by which social influence factors contribute to substance misuse behaviour have been described in models derived from the social learning paradigm, including both socio-environmental (e.g. social modelling, perceived norms) and coping skills and cognitive variables (e.g. self-efficacy, outcome expectancies). However, this growing body of the literature often reveals contradictory findings regarding the precise mechanisms of processes by which social and cognitive variables may influence substance misuse in youth populations. This review critically examines the literature on different forms of peer influence and accordingly provides suggestions for intervention strategies that take into consideration the relevant research findings on social learning constructs. Keywords: social learning, norms, self-efficacy, youth, substance abuse, counselling interventions...
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...values, which is effected by factors within their family (primarily their parents), environmental and social factors, and the dominant views in their culture. This will determine your behaviour as an adult. We research upbringing so that if an individual is at high risk of developing criminal behaviour due to his upbringing, the risks can be easily reduced by changing the way an individual is brought up. Upbringing suggests that criminal behaviour can be learnt from others, i.e. if a child observes criminal behaviour he is at high risk of committing a crime. There are three ways through which an individual learns from others: classical conditioning, operant conditioning and the social learning theory. Social learning theory is the idea that we learn indirectly, through others – normally role models (such as criminal family members, criminal peers etc.). In Akers et al study on social learning and deviant behaviour, data on adolescent drinking and drug-taking behaviour was collected by a survey. A large sample of teenagers was surveyed, with a small sub-group interviewed to check the validity of the data. Quantitative data was collected by asking about the frequency of their alcohol and drug consumption on a scale of 1 (never) to 6 (nearly everyday) and qualitative data was collected by asking about their alcohol or drug related experience, why they were involved in alcohol and drug consumption, are they following a role model, what reward or punishment they get by this behaviour...
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...The Social Learning Theory is based on imitating a person’s behavior and adopting similar beliefs and values as part of identification. This theory focuses on the learning that occurs within a social context. The Social Learning theory, the psychology is that people learn from one another including such notions as observational learning imitation, and modeling. Theorist Albert Bandura has lead such studies to back these hypothesis, proposed that behaviors could influence both the environment and the person. Early experiences frame the life of a child and determine in most cases what personality traits they will take on. According to Bandura (1977) learning would be exceedingly laboress not to mention hazardous if people had to rely solely on the effects of their own actions to inform them what to do. Most behaviors that have been studied resorts back to observation, the behaviors have in turn modeled the basic interepatation of the perceived. Deviation from these behaviors are the choice of the individual but hard for them to change due to only knowing one way of living. The psychological theories prove that early stages of moral and cognitive developments in behaviors down the line. All behaviors we observe are not always learned or carried out, each determines on the rewards of the behaviors. The three core concepts of the Social Learning concept are, the idea that people learn through observation, secondly that the idea that internal mental state are essential...
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...Background and Problem Definition It is beyond debаte thаt the use or misuse of substаnce hаs severe impаct on the well being of children. The term substаnce refers to both the illicit аnd non illicit forms of drugs. The use of substаnce by а pаrent becomes misuse when the pаrent in question uses it to the level where the usаge becomes hаzаrdous for both the behаviour аnd heаlth of the pаrent аs well аs the life of the children involved. The hаrmful behаviour in the pаrent hinders the pаrent’s аbility to tаke good cаre of their children which is the children’s fundаmentаl right (Forrester 2011, p. 4). The pаrentаl substаnce misuse hаs physicаl, behаviourаl, sociаl аnd emotionаl or mentаl consequences for the children. Parental substance Misuse is a major issue that has captured the attention of social worker and professional as well as policy makers with regard to wellbeing and needs of a child (Murphy & Harbin, 2003, p.354). The National Treatment Agency (2012, p.3) notes that over 50% of the total adults undergoing drug treatment in 2012 were parents of which a third (66,193) were living with children under the age of 18. Out of these, those who live with their children are 40,852 while those who live with children who are not theirs are 25,341. While not all parents with substance misuse problems harm their children, past research evidence has indicated that there is a solid relationship amid parental drug abuse and negative outcomes for the child (Murphy & Harbin, 2003...
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...Behavioural (learning) models of addiction Classical and operant conditioning in addiction Do we develop addictions simply by being rewarded for doing them? Classical conditioning and the initiation of addictive behaviour Stimuli that occur just before, or at the same time, as a learned stimulus (e.g. a drug) may become secondary reinforcers by association. An example of this is learning that the sights and sounds of a pub are associated with alcohol – the sights and sounds then produce the same physiological effects as alcohol. Operant conditioning and the initiation of addictive behaviour If a behaviour is rewarded (positive reinforcement) it is likely to be repeated. Positive reinforcers cause dopamine release in the mesolimbic dopamine system. The system is designed for natural reinforcers such as food, drink, keeping warm, and sex, however addictive drugs can produce the same effect. Drugs such as cocaine, amphetamine, nicotine and alcohol cause massive over-stimulation of dopamine receptors and are therefore positively rewarded. Gambling leads to a rush of adrenaline when experiencing a win or near-win, is socially rewarding through praise from peers, and financially rewarding after a win (Griffiths, 2009). Operant conditioning and the maintenance/relapse of addictive behaviour Repeated use of drugs leads to withdrawal symptoms when stopping. Withdrawal is physically unpleasant and can be reduced by taking the drug again (negative reinforcement). Commentary...
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...will discuss the theory of differential association by Edwin Sutherland and how it is applied in sociology and criminology in society today. It will show how the theory is applied to the everyday lives of some criminals and how it can be applied to acts that may not be considered criminal. We will further explore Sutherland's nine key points that were used to detail what the building blocks of the theory are, and how those points have been applied to other studies. Research by other sociologists will be discussed in regards to differential association and how those researchers chose to interpret Sutherland's theory and use it to further explore instances of crime and deviance in their own research. Finally I will discuss how true the researchers stayed to the original theorists and reflect on my own opinions about the theory of differential association. Introduction The theory of differential association is one that has been used to attempt to identify why people commit crime for years. Since Edwin Sutherland created the theory in 1947 it has been looked to by numerous researchers both using the theory for inspiration and criticizing its legitimacy. This paper will discuss Sutherland's theory in its entirety including it's creation and what the theory itself states, its applications in our society as well as how other researchers have applied it to their own research, and the findings that have arisen because of the theory. The primary argument behind the theory of differential...
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...Learning Experience Paper Learning experience Learning experience discussed in this paper will focus on how someone can learn how not become addicted to drugs. The discussion will also identify what could be learned from the time an individual started using drugs to the time they were no longer a drug user. There will be a discussion of the description of how someone’s learning could have occurred through classical conditioning, identify the unconditioned stimulus, unconditioned response, the conditioned stimulus, and the conditioned response. The operant conditioning, a description of the behavior, the consequences, and reinforcements will also explain. The discussion will address how the learning could have occurred cognitive social learning. Identifying the Learning Experience Let’s say a person has been a casual drug user, his lifestyle has been very carefree. Through his carefree lifestyle he is introduced to a new method of using drugs. The instant the drug is introduced becomes addicted. He experiences an overwhelming desire to have more to obtain the same sensation. He experiences a loss of control over his life. This loss of control is heightened when the drug cannot be obtained when his body desires it. The drug and its use becomes a part of his life much the same as taking a breath. Classical conditioning, Unconditioned Stimulus and Response, Conditioned Stimulus and Response Classical conditioning is a form of learning in which a neutral stimulus becomes a...
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...CDEV 461: CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TOPIC: THE EMERGING TREND OF DRUG ABUSE AND PEDDLING IN EGERTON UNIVERSITY SUBMITED TO: DR. KAMURU MAKAL DEPARTMENT OF APPLIED COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT STUDIES. DATE OF SUBMISSION ABSTRACT Drug abuse is one of the top problems confronting the nation today especially among the youth. Incidences of drug and alcohol abuse and related antisocial behavior have tremendously increased in the resent years this has become matter of concern to the government, parents, NGOs and other relevant agencies. The need of drugs and alcohol in universities has birthed entrepreneurs in drug peddling. As a result many of these students want money badly and they are ready to venture in whatever business just so they can make ends meet. Alcohol is the most frequently abused drug followed by bang’ Miraa, tobacco and shisha. Egerton University In access to alcoholic drinks has been made easy due to the close proximity of bars and entertainment joints to the university gates. The factors that contribute to drug abuse and drug peddling include; the gap, association with drug using peers, source of quick cash, parental drug abuse, and antisocial behavior among others. Disadvantages of drug abuse and peddling include; imprisonment, addiction, lack of concentration, death, violence among others. TABLE OF CONTENTS Contents ABSTRACT ii TABLE OF CONTENTS iii 1.0INTRODUCTION 1 Background information 1 Trends 2 Statement of the problem 2 Significance...
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...make sense of drug behavior because they circumvent the psychological, environmental, and social nexus of which drug use is a part. One branch of conditioning theory, social-learning theory (Bandura 1977), has opened itself to the subjective elements of reinforcement. For example, Bandura described how a psychotic who continued his delusional behavior in order to ward off invisible terrors was acting in line with a reinforcement schedule that was efficacious despite its existing solely in the individual's mind. The essential insight that reinforcers gain meaning only from a given human context enables us to understand (1) why different people react differently to the same drugs, (2) how people can modify these reactions through their own efforts, and (3) how people's relationships with their environments determine drug reactions rather than vice versa. Social-learning theorists have been especially active in alcoholism, where they have analyzed how alcoholics' expectations and beliefs about what alcohol will do for them influence the rewards and behaviors associated with drinking (Marlatt 1978; Wilson 1981). Yet it has also been social-learning theorists who have launched the alcohol-dependence syndrome and who seem to feel subjective interpretation is far less important than the pharmacological effects of alcohol in causing drinking problems (Hodgson et al. 1978, 1979). This lacuna in their theorizing is most noticeable in the inability of modem social-learning theorists to...
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