- I am a Killer: Potential Factors that Influenced James Robertson's Developmental Trajectory and Viable Preventative Interventions
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- The experiences and changes that people face during their life cycle have a crucial impact on their behavioural, cognitive, emotional, and moral development. Developmental outcomes are influenced by biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors, which is why the field of Applied Developmental Psychology (ADP) is critical in determining both protective and risk factors for development to promote positive outcomes. This article explores the life course of James Robertson - an infamous killer whose story was documented in ‘I am a Killer’ (Parker et al., 2018) - through the lens of ADP. Robertson was sentenced to ten years in prison for burglary and aggravated assault at the age of sixteen and is still on death row to this day. The literature on various developmental risk factors are explored in terms of Robertson’s experience, for example, his low socio-economic status, experience of child abuse and neglect, low social support, problematic family life, school absenteeism, and substance abuse. It is clear that the environmental influences in Robertson’s life had a detrimental effect on his developmental trajectory. Preventative interventions that could have been implemented to reduce the risk of such poor developmental outcomes are explored, such as the Big Brother Big Sister Programme (About Big Brother Big Sister, n.d.), Incredible Years Parenting Programme (see Reid, Webster-Stratton, & Hammond, 2007), and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in prison. It is essential that policies and intervention programmes are in line with recent research in the field and adhere to the physical, social, emotional and psychological needs of individuals, which will consequently prevent negative lifespan trajectories, and promote positive developmental outcomes.
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