PSYCH explanation: psychodynamic explanations of offending

Question 1

AO1: what is the inaddequate superego?

Answer 1

the superego forms at the END of the phallic stage when children RESOLVE their oedipus/electra complex.

BLACKBURN states supergo works on MOLRALITY principle and EXERTS its influence by PUNISHING the ego.

Question 2

what happens if the superego is DEFICIENT/inadequate?

Answer 2

then CRIMINAL behaviour is INEVITIABLE because the ID is given free rein and NOT controlled.

Question 3

what are the 3 types of inadequate superego?

Answer 3

*the WEAK superego
* the DEVIANT superego
* the OVERHARSH superego

Question 4

what is the WEAK superego?

Answer 4

where the SAME sex parent is ABSENT during the phallic stage so the child CANT internalise a FULLY formed superego as no opportunity to RESOLVE complex.

Question 5

what is the DEVIANT superego?

Answer 5

the superego that the child INTERNALISES has IMMORAL values and so, leads to CRIM

Question 6

what is the OVERHARSH superego?

Answer 6

an overharsh ego that leaves a person crippled by GUILT and ANXIETY and are DRIVEN to crime to SATISFY the superego’s need for PUNISHMENT.

Question 7

what is bowlbys theory of maternal deprivation and how does it like to criminality?

Answer 7

That maternally DEPRIVED individuals will become AFFECTIONLESS PSYCHOPATHS with no guilt/empathy which LEADS to criminality and an INABILITY to form close relationships. MD is irreversible and has DAMAGING consequences.

Question 8

outline the 44 thieves study:

Answer 8

*Bowlby interviewed 44 thieves.
*14/44 were affectionless psychopaths.
*12/14 had suffered MD during infancy.
*in a NON-criminal but emotionally DISTURBED control group 2/44 suffered MD.

Bowlby concludes that MD caused affectionless psychopathy and crim behaviour.