Forensics - psychodynamic explanation

Question 1

when is the superego formed (freud)

Answer 1

at the end of the phallic stage (3-5 years old)

Question 2

who proposed the psychodynamic explanation of criminality linked to superego

Answer 2

Blackburn

Question 3

superego

Answer 3

morality principle in Freud’s tripartite personality. controls feelings of guilt and pride

Question 4

what did Blackburn say about the superego of criminals

Answer 4

it is inadequate, meaning the id is left uncontrolled

Question 5

what are the three types of superego inadequacy

Answer 5

weak superego, harsh superego and deviant superego

Question 6

weak superego

Answer 6

same sex parent is absent during the phallic stage so child can’t internalise superego as there is no chance for identification. the id remains unchecked

Question 7

harsh superego

Answer 7

crippled by guilt and anxiety as result of identification with overly strict parenting from same sex parent. unconsciously drives individuals to be criminal to satisfy superego’s need for punishment

Question 8

deviant superego

Answer 8

immoral superego internalised from same-sex parent

Question 9

3 types of defense mechanisms that protect the ego from feeling anxiety (offending)

Answer 9

denial, displacement and rationalisation

Question 10

denial (offending)

Answer 10

rejects reality or serious nature of crimes

Question 11

displacement (offending)

Answer 11

release anger on weaker target as can not express it to root cause of anger

Question 12

rationalisation (offending)

Answer 12

trying to justify crime

Question 13

Bowlby’s maternal deprivation theory

Answer 13

failure to form an attachment with mother in critical period causes irreversible consequences

Question 14

affectionless psychopathy

Answer 14

lack guilt and empathy for others

Question 15

44 thieves study findings

Answer 15

14 thieves showed affectionless psychopathy
12 thieves experienced MD
2 non-thieves experienced MD

Question 16

limitations of the psychodynamic explanation of criminality

Answer 16

• Lewis found that MD is a poor predictor of future criminal behaviour and is correlational
• 44 thieves had researcher bias
• 44 thieves doesn’t distinguish between privation and deprivation - most thieves experienced privation
• no evidence suggesting that children raised without same-sex parent are more prone to criminality
• unconscious concepts are unfalsifiable
• assumed that girls develop weaker superego so more likely to commit crime. conflicting evidence.