16.11.23 - Forensic psychology: Psychological explanations - Psychodynamic

Question 1

Who proposed the psychodynamic explanation for offending?

Answer 1

Blackburn

Question 2

What is the psychodynamic explanation based on?

Answer 2

Freudian‘s idea that roots of OFFENDING personality developed in childhood

Question 3

What did Blackburn argue?

Answer 3

If Superego INADEQUATE or DEFICIENT then offending behaviour INEVITABLE

Question 4

What are the three types of inadequate Superego?

Answer 4

• WEAK Superego
• DEVIANT Superego
• OVER-HARSH Superego

Question 5

What is the weak Superego?

Answer 5

• If same GENDER parent ABSENT during PHALLIC stage, child cannot INTERNALISE fully formed SUPEREGO
• No opportunity for IDENTIFICATION
• Increases IMMORAL or OFFENDING behaviour

Question 6

What is the deviant Superego?

Answer 6

• If Superego child INTERNALISES has IMMORAL or DEVIANT values it leads to OFFENDING behaviour
• e.g. child raised by CRIMINAL father not likely to associate GUILT with wrongdoing

Question 7

What is the over-harsh Superego?

Answer 7

• HEALTHY Superego based on IDENTIFICATION with parent with FIRM rules but forgives TRANSGRESSIONS
• Although EXCESSIVELY harsh parenting style leads to this type of Superego
• Child CRIPPLED by guilt and anxiety
• Could UNCONSCIOUSLY drive child to perform criminal acts to SATISFY Superego’s overwhelming need for PUNISHMENT

Question 8

Is the theory of maternal deprivation also a part of the psychodynamic explanation?

Answer 8

Yes

Question 9

According to Bowlby, what does maternal deprivation result in?

Answer 9

Affectionless psychopathy

Question 10

What are three signs of affectionless psychopathy?

Answer 10

LACK of guilt, empathy and feelings for others

Question 11

What are these types of individuals more likely to do?

Answer 11

• Engage in **CRIMINAL ACTS **
• Cannot develop CLOSE relationships