Understanding the Chris Watts Case through Rational Choice and Trait Theories
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Understanding the Chris Watts Case through Rational Choice and Trait Theories
Ricci L Dyson
College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Grand Canyon University
PSY-530: Social and Cultural Psychology
Dr. Julienne Long
November 29
Understanding the Chris Watts Case through Rational Choice and Trait Theories
The Chris Watts case is a high-profile criminal investigation that unfolded in August 2018. Chris Watts, a seemingly ordinary family man residing in Frederick, Colorado, became the
focus of national attention when he confessed to the murder of his pregnant wife, Shanann Watts,
and their two young daughters, Bella and Celeste. The case gripped the public with its shocking details and the apparent incongruence between Chris Watts' outward persona and the heinous crimes he committed
(Chang, 2020).
This analysis seeks to explore the Chris Watts case through the lenses of Rational Choice Theory and Trait Theory, two prominent perspectives in criminology. Rational Choice Theory posits that individuals engage in a cost-benefit analysis when making decisions, especially regarding criminal behavior, while Trait Theory focuses on inherent personality traits that may predispose individuals to criminal actions. By applying these theories to the Watts case, we aim to gain a deeper understanding of the motivations and psychological underpinnings that led to this shocking and tragic event.
Case Summary
The Chris Watts case, which unfolded in August 2018, involves a high-profile murder in Frederick, Colorado. Watts initially reported his pregnant wife, Shanann Watts, and their two daughters, Bella and Celeste, missing. As the investigation progressed, Watts confessed to strangling his wife and smothering his daughters. The motive appeared to be his desire to start a new life with his mistress, Nichol Kessinger, leading to a shocking revelation of family annihilation. The case gained national attention due to the apparent incongruence between Watts' outwardly normal family life and the heinous crimes he committed (Chang, 2020).
Application of Rational Choice Rational choice theory posits that individuals make decisions based on a cost-benefit analysis and choosing actions that maximize their personal gain (Schram & Tibbetts, 2019). In the context of criminal behavior, the decision to commit a crime is seen as a rational choice based on the perceived advantages and disadvantages (Pratt, 2008). In the Watts case, rational choice theory can be applied to explain how Watts, facing the prospect of his double life being exposed, made a calculated decision to eliminate his family to pursue a new relationship without the burdens of his existing one. Watts might have perceived the potential costs of divorce, including financial consequences, damage to his reputation, and loss of custody, as substantial. Simultaneously, he may have viewed the benefits of eliminating these problems by committing the murders, allowing him to pursue a new relationship with his mistress, Nichol Kessinger. From Watts' perspective, the act of murder might have seemed like the most efficient way to maximize his personal gain, providing a clean slate for his new life without the complications of his existing family. Application of Trait Theory
Trait theory, on the other hand, focuses on innate characteristics and predispositions that may lead individuals to criminal behavior (Schram & Tibbetts, 2019). It suggests that certain inherent qualities contribute to an individual's likelihood of engaging in unlawful activities (Peters, 2014). Watts exhibited traits such as deceitfulness, lack of empathy, and a capacity for violence, which align with trait theory's emphasis on inherent qualities contributing to criminal conduct. Trait theorists often highlight a lack of empathy as a crucial trait associated with criminal behavior (Peters, 2014). Watts demonstrated a profound lack of empathy in his actions, as evidenced by the callousness with which he murdered his wife and daughters. This lack of
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emotional connection may be indicative of a deeper psychological trait. Narcissistic traits, characterized by an excessive sense of self-importance and a lack of consideration for others, can
contribute to criminal behavior. Watts' actions, driven by his desire for personal satisfaction and a
new life, align with a narcissistic mindset.
View of Rational Choice and Trait Theorists
Rational choice theorists would see Watts as a calculating individual who made a rational decision to commit murder to achieve personal goals. The emphasis would be on the rational evaluation of costs and benefits, prioritizing self-interest over moral considerations gain (Schram
& Tibbetts, 2019). Trait theorists would view Watts as someone with a constellation of personality traits that made him prone to criminal behavior. These theorists might argue that Watts' lack of empathy and impulse control, coupled with his capacity for deceit, created a volatile combination that led to the tragic outcome gain (Schram & Tibbetts, 2019).
Significant Studies and Application to the Case
Rational choice theory draws on economic principles and assumes that individuals act in their best interest. The concept of "routine activity theory," developed by Marcus Felson and Lawrence E. Cohen, suggests that crime occurs when three elements converge: a motivated offender, a suitable target, and the absence of a capable guardian gain (Schram & Tibbetts, 2019).
In the Watts case, Watts himself was the motivated offender, his family the suitable targets, and the absence of a capable guardian facilitated the crime.
Trait theory, influenced by psychopathy research, emphasizes certain personality traits linked to criminal behavior. The work of Robert D. Hare, who developed the Hare Psychopathy
Checklist, is relevant gain (Schram & Tibbetts, 2019). Watts displayed traits such as superficial charm, pathological lying, and a lack of remorse, aligning with Hare's criteria for psychopathy.
Conclusion
The Watts case is a complex scenario that can be analyzed through the lenses of rational choice and trait theories. While rational choice theory explains the calculated decision-making process leading to the crime, trait theory illuminates the inherent characteristics that made Chris Watts capable of such horrific actions. Understanding these theories enriches our comprehension of the factors contributing to high-profile crimes and aids in the development of preventive measures and interventions.
References
Chang, R. (2020). Chris Watts: A Complete Timeline of the Murder of His Wife and Daughters
. Biography. Retrieved November 28, 2023, from https://www.biography.com/crime/chris-
watts-wife-daughters-murder-mistress-
confession-timeline
Peters, D. C. (2014). Trait theories. The Encyclopedia of Theoretical Criminology
, 1–4. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118517390.wbetc138
Pratt, T. (2008). Rational choice theory, crime control policy, and criminological relevance. Criminology & Public Policy
, 7
(1), 43–52. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-
9133.2008.00489.x
Schram, P. J., & Tibbetts, S. G. (2019). Introduction to criminology
(3rd ed.). SAGE Publications.
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