Mann_Jonica_Benchmark - Application of Criminal Behavior Theories

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Grand Canyon University *

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212

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Arts Humanities

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Dec 6, 2023

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Benchmark - Application of Criminal Behavior Theories Jonica Mann College of Humanities and Social Science, Grand Canyon University JUS-212: Criminal Behavior and Victimology Mark Sims November 26, 2023 1

Introduction One of the most eerie and puzzling cases of maternal homicide in recent memory is the case of Andrea Yates. Five-time mother Andrea Yates deliberately killed her five kids in their Texas home's bathtub on June 20, 2001. This horrific act stunned the country and sparked debate on the problems of the mental health treatment system, the relationship between religion and mental illness, and the mental health of mothers. The purpose of this essay is to examine Andrea Yates's family, education, and upbringing before applying the biological theory of crime to an analysis of her behavior. Andrea Yates Background Andrea Pia Kennedy was born on July 2, 1964, into a profoundly religious family consisting of her mother, a devoted Roman Catholic, and her father, a German immigrant (Andrea Yates, 2020). Her strong religious beliefs and strict upbringing have influenced her outlook on life. Although Yates struggled with mental health issues, such as postpartum depression following the birth of her fourth child, she continued to pursue her nursing degree at the University of Houston, where she eventually met Russell Yates, her future husband (Andrea Yates, 2020). Due to their active participation in the Quiverfull movement, a Christian philosophy that supports big families, the couple's marriage and family life were characterized by a strong religious commitment (Andrea Yates, 2020). As her mental health deteriorated over time, Andrea's commitment to the demanding role of a full-time homemaker and mother proved to be too much to bear. Biological Theory of Crime According to the biological theory of crime, neurotransmitter imbalances, brain anatomy, and genetics all have an impact on criminal behavior (Siegel, 2018). A thorough investigation of 2

Andrea Yates' family history identifies a concerning trend of mental illness (Resnick, 2007). Bipolar disease ran in Andrea's family, and she herself had been diagnosed with postpartum psychosis and depression. Genetic predispositions and hormone imbalances made worse by motherhood could have been major contributing factors to Andrea Yates's mental collapse (Resnick, 2007). According to the hypothesis, those who are genetically predisposed to mental illness may be more vulnerable to environmental stressors (Resnick, 2007). In Yates's case, it is possible that the pressure of raising five children in accordance with the strict Quiverfull movement's principles contributed to her spiral into psychosis. Yates's horrific acts have complicated motivations that relate to her mental health issues (Resnick, 2007). She felt under tremendous pressure to fulfill the conventional role of a mother since she adhered to the Quiverfull worldview, which supports large families and considers contraception to be evil (Resnick, 2007). Her mental health declined because of her multiple pregnancies and postpartum depression. Motivations, Deviance, and Abnormal Behaviors Yates's reasons for carrying out these horrific acts are complicated and entwined with her struggles with mental illness. She was under a lot of pressure to be a mother in the traditional sense since she belonged to the Quiverfull worldview, which supports large families and considers contraception to be evil. Her mental state deteriorated as she went through several pregnancies and battled postpartum depression (Butterfield, 2006). Yates's departure from traditional standards and expectations around parenthood is clearly evidence of deviation in this context. Her choice to take her own children's lives is an obvious detachment from the basic maternal impulse to care for and protect children. Prior to the murder, she had a history of mental 3

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