ac 4.1 - policy development for individualistic theories Flashcards
what are the policies for individualistic theories?
- psychoanalysis (Freud)
- token economy program (OC)
- aversion therapy (Eysenck)
what is psychoanalysis?
this is based on Freud’s theory of personality and it aims to make the unconscious conscious, as it is these repressed thoughts that are believed to influence criminal activity, and bringing them to conscience means they can be dealt with
how does psychoanalysis work?
there are many forms of psychanalysis therapy. typically, a patient will talk freely about there thoughts, dreams memories, etc, while the therapist is non-judgmental throughout. the therapist will help to reveal unresolved conflicts from the unconscious mind and will interpret symbols, dreams and behaviours to understand deeper issues. the patient and therapist would explore these issues overtime as consistency is key with psychoanalysis
Aichhorn and psychoanalysis
Aichhorn applied psychoanalytic ideas to policies for treating young offenders at the institution he supervised. because they had uncaring or absent parents, they had failed to develop a superego as normal socialisation had not taken place due to a lack of a loving relationship. Aichhorn rejected the harsh environments of young offenders at the time (1920s) and treated them by providing a happy and pleasant environment in order to make the development of the superego possible
weaknesses of psychoanalysis
- not very practical. it is costly and time consuming, which may make people less likely to see the process through. therefore, the effectiveness can be questioned.
- Blackburn criticises psychoanalysis. He pointed out that there are very few positive evaluations of classic psychoanalysis as a treatment method with offenders. may cause patients distress, unethical.
- Eysenck found that only 44% of neurosis patients being treated with psychoanalysis showed improvement, whereas this was 72% for patients treated by hospitals or GP’s
strengths of psychoanalysis
- support from a 2010 study. concluded that it worked as well as other psychotherapy treatments such as CPT. suggests it is an effective policy.
what is a token economy program?
takes into account operant conditioning principles that reinforcement strengthens behaviour and punishment weakens it. token economy is a behaviour modification program typically used in prisons
how does a token economy program work?
typically, an institution will draw up a list of desirable behaviours inmates should show, e.g. obeying rules, etc. when offenders show one of these behaviours, they receive a token. tokens are accumulated and can be exchanged for privileges. this encourages them to show good behaviours and avoid bad behaviour
weaknesses of token economy
- may only be successful in the short term. doesn’t address underlying issues that may cause people to offend. therefore, effectiveness can be questioned as offenders may be more likely to revert back to old behaviours with this policy.
- some token economy programs are unethical. in some cases in the USA, food and drink have been withheld and used as privileges in order to further encourage good behaviours. serious ethical issues if basic human rights are being infringed.
strengths of token economy
- support from Hobbs and Holt. found that token economy improved behaviours in young offenders across three different correctional institutions with a noticeable increase in socially acceptable behaviours. suggests it is an effective policy.
- makes prisoners more manageable. promotes a more disciplined and controlled environment which is safer for both staff and the prisoners themselves. shows that, if token economy is successful within a prison setting, the risk of possible dangers are reduced.
what is aversion therapy?
a policy developed due to Eysenck saying that criminals tend to be extraverted and neurotic which makes them harder to condition due to the idea that they are more resistant to learning through punishment
how does aversion therapy work?
offenders are asked to think about an unacceptable sexual fantasy until they are aroused. a strongly aversive stimulus, such as an electric shock or a nausea inducing drug, is administered. this procedure is repeated until the offender comes to associate the deviant arousal and the aversive stimulus. the aim is to stop the thoughts and thus stop the offending behaviour
weaknesses of aversion therapy
- the long term effectiveness of this treatment is still unclear. research has shown that, while there may be immediate and short term improvements, these effects often fade after a while. effectiveness is questionable.
- brings to light serious ethical concerns. often uses unpleasant stimuli, such as electric shocks, which can cause both physical and psychological stress to people. very controversial method as ethical guidelines, like protection from harm, are breached.
strengths of aversion therapy
- there is support from Mcguire et al. found that aversion therapy helped to reduce deviant sexual arousal through use of electric shocks. shows effectiveness in curbing criminal impulses.
