Inside the Criminal Mind

A clinical psychologist argues that the criminal's way of thinking is vastly different from that of a responsible citizen and refutes popular beliefs that broken homes, alcoholism, media violence, unemployment, drug addiction, or passionate impulses are crime causes.

Case histories demonstrate the

Show More

author's belief that the criminal chooses his associates, way of life, and the kinds of crimes he commits. They show that criminals reject society, value people to the extent they can be manipulated, and believe they are entitled to whatever they desire. Psychiatric misinterpretations of four types of crimes are discussed: crimes of passion, crimes that appear senseless, crimes that arise out of impulse control disorders, and crimes committed due to insanity. A critical discussion of the prison system emphasizes that it fails to change criminals' thought patterns and consequently is ineffective. The book describes a therapeutic approach pioneered by Dr. Samuel Yochelson that helps criminals gain a realistic view of themselves and the world, cope with frustration and life's everyday problems, and learn ways to deter criminal thinking. Selected Reading Questionnaire.

Show Less