Within the study of criminology, the “arousal theory” is most commonly associated with Hans J. Eysenck, who proposed a biosocial theory based on the concept of arousal levels and individual differences in how people react to stimuli, linking it to criminal behavior. The foundational ideas of arousal theory in psychology are often attributed to researchers like Donald B. Lindsley and Robert Yerkes and John Dodson, who developed the “optimal arousal theory.”

Eysenck argued that arousal theory suggested that people who have an arousal level seek powerful stimuli in their environment to maintain optimal levels of arousal. These powerful stimuli are often associated with aggression and violence. Eysenck noted that sociopaths need greater than average stimulation and this in return explains their criminal tendencies.

Eysenck claimed if an individual does not reach a sufficient level of arousal, they become bored and seek other activities to stimulate and arouse them, often leading to criminal behavior. Eysenck further stated, if there is too much arousal, the person can become anxious which leads to sensation seeking behaviors. Eysenck concluded that sensation seeking persons are predisposed to deviant behaviors both environmentally and biologically.

Eysenck discovered that an individual’s level of arousal works in conjunction with the social environment. With this argument, how people react to stimuli can lead to criminal behaviors. People are driven to perform actions in order to maintain an optimum level of physiological arousal. Eysenck discovered that criminals have suboptimal arousal levels. Thus, they are neurologically inclined to seek stimulation in a variety of ways and to tolerate more pain in satisfying their need for stimulation, often leading to criminal tendencies.

Even though the arousal theory can explain different types of deviant behavior, it appears to best explain why some indulge in substance abuse. Researchers have found strong correlations with personality traits that include sensation seeking, impulsiveness and extraversion to drug abuse. This theory can distinguish those people who seek immediate gratification and the physiological stimulation that comes with consuming drugs. In other words, self-medicating to seek arousal.

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About the Author

Mark Bond has worked in law enforcement and has been a firearms instructor for more than 33 years. His law enforcement experience includes the military, local, state, and federal levels as a police officer and criminal investigator. Mark obtained a BS and MS in criminal justice, and M.Ed in educational leadership with Summa Cum Laude honors. Mark has a doctoral degree in education (EdD) with a concentration in college teaching and learning. Mark is currently an associate professor of human justice studies and teaches undergraduate and graduate criminal justice courses.