For many years individuals have believed that there are certain developmental factors that work to play a role in whether or not an individual may display deviant behaviors or a propensity for crime (Hundert, 1972). Psychology has been identified as one of the predominant methods by which the individual may be analyzed in order to identify whether particular characteristics will be utilized as a means of determining the level of risk displayed by the individual for future bad behaviors as a result of these developmental influences (Koscielski, 2014).

Garry F. is an individual who was “born to an unwed mother who (was) 16 years old at the time of his birth and who (had) already dropped out of high school” (Setting the Stage, n.d., p. 23). Issues with a young mother with little support structure have a tendency to lead to depression which can likewise negatively affect developmental growth and stability of the child (Goodman & Gotlib, 1999). There are certain biological, psychological, and social developmental risk factors present within Gary F.’s behaviors and the criminal behaviors he has exhibited.

The chaos of his early life, the lack of a true familial support system, the deviant behaviors of his mother, and the fact that he has grown up in a family in which criminal behavior is not deemed socially unacceptable all serve as various factors to indicate that Gary F. is likewise at risk for future deviance, especially when taking into account the fact that he is known for petty larceny, a crime for which there can be only escalation (Setting the Stage, n.d.).

In working to identify the different risk factors associated with Gary F.’s development, it is possible to identify the areas that will serve as red flags while at the same time indicating to psychologists the areas that need work in order to prevent future escalation on the part of Gary F.