Mann_Jonica_Benchmark - Application of Criminal Behavior Theories
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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
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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
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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
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health hospital stays, attempted suicide on several occasions, and an increasing pattern of intense
religious devotion that grew as her mental state deteriorated (Butterfield, 2006).
Warning Signs
In the years leading up to the fatal incident, there were multiple indicators that Yates's
mental health was failing. In 1999, she attempted suicide and was diagnosed with postpartum
psychosis, marking her first mental health crisis that was officially documented (Butterfield,
2006). Yates's need for assistance was not adequately addressed despite these obvious signs of
her unstable mental health. Her problem grew worse over time because of the mental health care
system's failure to offer the required assistance and care.
Conclusion
In summary, the tragic story of Andrea Yates highlights the relationship between societal
expectations, religious fundamentalism, and mental illness. A framework for comprehending
how genetics and mental health contribute to a person's decline into criminality is offered by the
biological theory of crime. Yates's mental health issues, which were made worse by social
pressures and an inadequate mental health care system, were the primary cause of her motives,
deviance, and deviant acts. Even though there were warning signs, the disaster was allowed to
happen because the right people did not act. Understanding the complicated connections between
biology, environment, and mental health is crucial for comprehending criminal behavior, as
demonstrated by the example of Andrea Yates.
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References
Andrea Yates. (2020). In Gale Cengage Learning (Ed.), Gale Biographies: Popular People. Gale.
Retrieved November 26, 2023, from
https://search.credoreference.com/articles/Qm9va0FydGljbGU6ODUyMjY5?aid=96349.
Butterfield, J. (2006).
Blue Mourning: Postpartum Psychosis and the Criminal Insanity Defense,
waking to the Reality of Women Who Kill Their Children,
39 J. Marshall L. Rev. 515
Retrieved from: https://repository.law.uic.edu/lawreview/vol39/iss2/10.
Resnick, J. (2007).
The Andrea Yates Case: Insanity on Trial.
Retrieved November 26, 2023,
from: https://engagedscholarship.csuohio.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?
article=1174&context=clevstlrev.
Siegel, L. J. (2018). Criminology: Theories, patterns, and typologies (13th ed.). Belmont, CA:
Thomson Wadsworth. ISBN-13: 9781337091848
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