Nonsocial Reinforcement and Habitual Criminal Conduct: An Extension of Learning Theory *

Abstract

Drawing on a diverse literature, we explain how criminal behavior is maintained through a process of nonsocial reinforcement, and show that some persons find criminal behavior particularly rewarding. We test our assumptions using surveys of 295 incarcerated adult felons and 150 male college students and intensive focus groups with 40 habitual offenders currently serving time. Results suggest that the experience of committing nonviolent and, particularly, violent crime is intrinsically rewarding and tends to reinforce such behavior among habitual criminals. The endogenous rewards identified center on (1) the neurophysiological high such acts produce and (2) the symbolic meaning of the behavior as it relates to self‐concept and identity formation. Findings from the surveys and the focus groups suggest that habitual criminality is sustained partly through the positive sensations (physiological and psychological) those crimes activate within the offender and that those sensations are instrumental in the maintenance and reinforcement of criminal careers. Based on what is known in the literature and what has been learned from our research, it seems that an effective way of integrating this knowledge lies in the direction of a nonsocial reinforcement arm of learning theory.

A Reintegration Program for Elderly Prisoners Reduces Reoffending

“…Their framework of values might be different from those who chose the welfare lifestyle, so their decision making might be different from their counterparts [43]. Their tendency to be autonomous might lead to a liberated life in free society but at the same time stimulate reoffending, because their crimes were rewarded in multiple ways [44]. Understanding their framework could be helpful to identify promotional and obstructive factors of their reoffending.…”

The sources of behavioral reinforcement : an examination of nonsocial reinforcement theory.

“…Akers focused mostly on the social reinforcement of behavior stating that nonsocial reinforcement would be limited to the physiological realm rather than behavioral (Akers, 1994). Despite Akers ' (1994) view, Wood, Gove, Wilson, andCochran (1997) have made a convincing case for the reinforcing nature of nonsocial rewards in their Nonsocial Reinforcement Theory. Wood et al (1997) proposed that habitual behavior is reinforced not just by social rewards proposed by Akers (1985), but also by nonsocial means of internal psychological and physiological rewards.…”

“…Despite Akers ' (1994) view, Wood, Gove, Wilson, andCochran (1997) have made a convincing case for the reinforcing nature of nonsocial rewards in their Nonsocial Reinforcement Theory. Wood et al (1997) proposed that habitual behavior is reinforced not just by social rewards proposed by Akers (1985), but also by nonsocial means of internal psychological and physiological rewards. Physiological reinforcement of behavior is derived from an individual's preferences for sensation seeking and risk taking drives that are unique to each individual.…”

“…Some individuals derive more enjoyment from risky situations than others. This enjoyment is an internal reward for the performance of behavior, leading to an increase in risky behavior (Wood et al, 1997). Wood and colleagues (1997) nonsocial reinforcement theory based psychological reinforcement of behavior on the internal meaning and positive psychological connections the individual feels after the behavior.…”

“…Some individuals may have their sense of identity connected to their commission of crimes, hence commission of crimes will give a boost to the individual's psychological well-being, or self-esteem, rewarding the behavior and increasing the likelihood of the behavior in the individual (Wood et al, 1997).…”