psychodynamic explanation Flashcards

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
1
Q

what is the superego and when is it formed?

A

the superego is formed at the end of the phallic stage of development when children resolve the Oedipus complex (or Electra complex in girls)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

what did Freud say about the superego?

A

Freud proposed that the superego is guided by the morality principle and leads to feelings of guilt for wrongdoing and feelings of pride for moral behaviour

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Blackburn 1993

A

argued that if the superego is somehow inadequate then criminal behaviour is inevitable because the id (governed by the pleasure principle) is given ‘free rein’ and not properly controlled

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

what are the 3 types of inadequate superego?

A
  1. the weak superego; If the same-sex parent is absent during the phallic stage, the child cannot internalise a fully-formed superego as there is no opportunity for identification. This would make criminal behaviour more likely.
  2. The deviant superego - If the superego the child internalises has immoral or deviant values this would lead to offending behaviour e.g. a boy raised by criminal father
    ● The over-harsh superego - An over harsh superego means the individual is crippled by guilt and anxiety - the superego has strict rules and is unforgiving. This may (unconsciously) drive the individual to perform criminal acts in order to satisfy the superego’s overwhelming need for punishment.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

the maternal deprivation theory

A

Bowlby (1944) argued that a continuous relationship with a mother-figure is crucial to future relationships and development.
A loss of attachment in infancy could lead to affectionless psychopathy (lack of empathy and guilt) and increased likelihood of delinquency and cannot develop close relationships

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

44 juvenile thieves study - Bowlby (1944)

A
  • 14 of the thieves showed signs of affectionless psychopathy. 12 of these experienced prolonged separation from their mothers during infancy.
  • In a control group, only 2 had experienced prolonged separation.
  • Bowlby concluded that the effects of maternal deprivation had caused affectionless psychopathy and delinquent behaviour among juvenile thieves.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly