FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY: Psychodynamic Theory Flashcards
What is the psychodynamic theory of offending behaviour?
Group of theories influence by Freud’s work which share the belief that unconscious conflicts (innate drives), rooted in childhood and determined by interactions with parents drive future offending behaviour.
What are the two psychodynamic explanations of crime?
- The inadequate superego
- Maternal Deprivation Theory
When is the Superego developed?
Formed at the end of the phallic stage of psychosexual development when children resolve the oedipus/electra complex. Children internalise the superego of the same-sex parent
What did Blackburn say about superego in offending behaviour?
If it is somehow deficient or inadequate then offending behaviour is inevitable because the id is given ‘free rein’ and isn’t controlled properly.
What are the three proposed type of inadequate superego?
- The weak/underdeveloped superego
- The deviant superego
- The over harsh/overdeveloped superego
What is the weak/underdeveloped superego?
If same sex parent is absent during phallic stage, the child cannot internalise a fully formed superego. Makes offending behaviour more likely because they have little control over anti-social behaviour and is likely to act in ways that gratify their id impulses.
What is the deviant superego?
If the superego that the child internalises has immoral or deviant values, this would lead to offending behaviour because the child may not associate wrongdoing with guilt
What is the over harsh/overdeveloped superego?
Child may internalise superego of strict same-sex parent and develop excessively harsh superego. They are crippled with guilt and anxiety as any time they act on their id they feel bad. May lead to individual offending with a wish to be caught to satisfy superego’s need for punishment and to reduce feelings of guilt.
What did Bowlby say about Maternal Deprivation?
It’s an ability to form meaningful relationships in adulthood that is dependent on a warm, continuous relationship with their mother. This is of importance to the child’s to the child’s well-being and development and if it doesn’t happen within the critical period of around 2 and a half years then the child will experience a number of damaging consequences later in life.
How can Maternal Deprivation be linked to offending behaviour?
A damaging consequence of maternal deprivation is Affectionless Psychopathy. This is characterised by a lack of guilt, empathy or strong emotion for others and responsibility. These individuals are likely to offend and cannot develop close relationships with others as they lack necessary early experience to do so.
