Psychology of Mind

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the case of Jeremiah Ratzlaff, a 16-year old youth from Minnesota who was charged with murdering his father in 2006. The paper applies the psychology of mind (POM) theory, which proposes that all people have innate wellness and the potential for healthy functioning. It uses the theory to investigate the etiology of the offense, predictive factors and prevention strategies to prevent this type of crime in the future, as well as possible criminal justice responses to this offense.

Table of Contents:
Abstract
Etiology
Prediction and Prevention
Recommended Criminal Justice Responses

From the Paper:

"In order for rehabilitation of Jeremiah to take place, POM theory would suggest that it is necessary for him to have a clear understanding that he is a continually thinking being that is constantly bombarded with maladaptive, learned thoughts that do not provide an accurate view of reality (Kelley, 2004). Once Jeremiah realizes that his faulty perceptions of reality are fleeting according to his mood states, he will gain perspective on his behavior and life in general (Kelley, 2004). Therefore, the key component to psychiatric rehabilitation would be the awareness and recognition on Jeremiah's behalf that there is an integral connection between thoughts and experiences, which would redirect attention away from perceived external factors of causation and maladaptive thoughts instead toward a healthy process of unconditioned, responsive thought and experience expressed from the inside-out (Kelley, 2004). Overall, the principles proposed by Psychology of Mind theory have the immense power to change perceptions of experiences and further contribute to optimal youth functioning."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Adams, M.S., Robertson, C., Gray-Ray, P., Ray, M. (2003). Labeling and delinquency. Adolescence, 38(149), 171-86.
• Dishion, T.J., Nelson, S., Bullock, B., Winter, C. (2004). Adolescent friendship as a dynamic system: entropy and deviance in the etiology and course of male antisocial behavior. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 32(6), 651-63.
• Doucette, P.A. (2004). Walk and talk: an intervention for behaviorally challenged youths. Adolescence, 39, 373-88.
• Flom, P.L., Friedman, S., Kottiri, B., Neaigus, A., Curtis, R. (2001). Recalled adolescent peer norms towards drug use in young adulthood in a low-income, minority urban neighborhood. Journal of Drug Issues, 31(2), 425-43.
• Gregory, N. (2004). Crime and the family: like grandfather, like father, like son? The British Journal of Forensic Practice, 27, 275-301.

More papers on Psychology of Mind:

• Term Paper # 146929 : "Theory of Mind: Overview and Proposed Experiment"
• Research Paper # 116716 : "Representational Theory of Mind"
• Persuasive Essay # 104415 : "Psychology: State of Mind - A Critical Analyses"

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