Forensics - Psychodynamic Explanations

Question 1

Evidence for inadequate superego

+COUNTERPOINT

Answer 1

Goreta

Freudian-style analysis of 10 offenders. Disturbance in superego formation were spotted in all. Guilt and self punishment (unconscious). Consequence of over harsh superego. Need to self punish manifests into offending behaviour.

COUNTERPOINT
Kochanska

Stricter parents raise rebellious children who don’t feel guilt. Harsh superego formed by strict parenting would ensure they feel guilt. Question correlation between strict parenting and harsh superego.

Question 2

Gender Bias

Answer 2

Girls identification with same sex parent is not as strong. Girls develop weaker superegos. This implies that women should offend more than men. Rates of imprisonment show opposite.

Hoffman

found little to no difference in little boys and girls resisting temptation. If there was a difference girls were more moral.

Alpha bias impacts Freud’s theories greatly making it an inappropriate.

Question 3

Based upon an association only

Answer 3

Maternal deprivation and offending behaviour are two factors that are associated.

Lewis

Analysis of 500 interviews with young people. Maternal deprivation is a poor indicator of offending behaviour in the future. Even if there was a correlation it cannot be said that there is a causation relationship. So cannot be used as an explanation.

Question 4

Not scientific

Answer 4

Not open to empirical testing. Lacks face validity as an explanation and approach. Lack of scientific supporting evidence.