Introduction
Behavioral theory is a psychological theory used to explain criminal behavior. The theory is the criminals learn their behaviors from environmental factors such as parents, family, friends, and the media. They are rewarded for acts of deviant behavior. This rewarding causes such behavior to become habitual. Behavioral theory also is the belief that new habits can be formed from negative reinforcement such as that which is provided by the correctional system.

Parental Influence
If criminal behavior can be learned from environmental factors then most certainly the root of their behaviors are likely to have been acquired during the impressionable years. (Huddy, Jervis, Sears, 2003) define the impressionable years hypothesis as “a variant of the persistence hypothesis, suggesting that adolescents’ and young adults’ attitudes are weaker and more open to change than they are at later stages.”It is widely known that spouse abusers have often been exposed to parents who were also spouse abusers. The “cycle” hypothesis also has been attributed to other crimes such as child molestation.

Peer Influence
While Peer Influence or “Peer Pressure” is often blamed for criminal activity during adolescence; it can further reinforce deviant behaviors learned in childhood. According to Siegel, Senna (2005) “Later in Life, antisocial behavioral patterns (deviance) are reinforced by peers and other acquaintances.”
The most significant example of peer influence in adolescence and adulthood furthering deviant or criminal behavior is the gang problem. Gang members who perform violent acts are rewarded by their peers with social status. The most extreme act of violence, of which is murder.

Media Influence
Media influence is also often considered part of the behavior theory. Siegel, Senna (2005) explains, “Those who watch television frequently come to view aggression as common and socially acceptable behavior.”

However, many psychologists and criminologists view the theory that the media encourages violent, criminal behavior with a grain of salt. The common assumption is however that violent television shows, and video games can be a trigger for those who have already been exposed to violence or have emotional disorders.

Negative Reinforcement
The goal of the correctional system is to provide negative reinforcement, in other words to demonstrate to criminals that their behaviors with result in serious consequences. The correctional system inflicts punishments that typically limit the freedoms of offenders, including incarceration, and probation.However, offenders who are sent to correctional facilities socialize with other criminals who reinforce criminal behavior. The end result is mixed signals of negative and unintentional positive reinforcement.

The behavioral theory provides a good explanation as to the motivations of most criminals. Influence is a significant motivator. By educating those who were exposed to violence and examples of criminal behavior we can prevent initial criminal activity or recidivism. The correctional system at times can assist or be a detriment in this goal.