Another childhood risk factor for crime is psychosocial stressors (C.S. Allely et al., 2014, p. 293). Psychosocial stressors include traumatic events during childhood, such as the death of a close family member (293). In addition to growing up without a father, Cullen’s mother died in a car crash when he was seventeen (Jennifer Hash, 2006, p. 1). This tragic event coupled with the bullying may have caused his decision to drop out and join the navy, especially since his family was poor. Psychosocial stressors like severe bullying also increase the risk for criminal behavior (293). For example, Cullen was also bullied during 5th grade. Because of this, he became more depressed and even wrote a book with one of his few friends about the meaningless of life …show more content…
For example, at age 15-16, Cullen’s favorite book was Crime and Punishment by Dostoyevsky (Jennifer Hash, 2006, p.1). The novel is about nihilistic man named Raskolnikov that believed he was above the law. He believed it was his destiny to kill his victims. He believes that he is an instrument of fate, so his that justifies his actions (Centerstage, 2009). Cullen connected with Raskolnikov due to their shared belief that life is meaningless.
Psychosocial stressors during adulthood are also factors for criminal factors. After dropping out of high school, Cullen joined the navy to become a ballistic missiles' technician (Jennifer Hash, 2006, p.1). During his six years in the navy, he was miserable where he was viciously taunted, ridiculed, and hazed. He was give the nickname “Fish-belly” by fellow officer due to his pallid complexion (4). Cullen started to show more signs of mental instability when he wore a stolen hospital gown, mask, and gloves to a shift at work (1). Because of his mental health’s deterioration, the navy discharged him most likely because of psychological reasons (although the reason was never clarified). After being