Psychodynamic Explanation

Question 1

Superego

Answer 1

This is formed at the phallic stage when children resolve the Oedipus complex. It works on the morality principle. It punishes the ego through guilt for wrongdoing, whilst rewarding it with pride for good moral behaviour.

Question 2

Inadequate Superego

Answer 2

If superego somehow deficient then offending behaviour is inevitable because the ID is given free rein

Question 3

Weak Superego

Answer 3

If same gender parent is absent during phallic stage, child cannot internalise fully formed Superego as no opportunity for identification. Immoral or offending behaviour more likely.

Question 4

Deviant Superego

Answer 4

If raised by a criminal parent, then the child internalises immoral or deviant values from the same sex parent’s superego.

Question 5

Over-harsh Superego

Answer 5

If a parent is excessively punitive or overly harsh the child develops an over harsh superego crippled with guilt and anxiety. They have an unconscious drive to perform criminal acts to satisfy need for punishment.

Question 6

Theory of Maternal Deprivation

Answer 6

If failed to establish relationship with primary caregiver in first 2 years then irreversible consequences. Affectionless psychopathy is one of these where likely to engage in acts of delinquency. Bowlby’s 44 thieves study supports this.

Question 7

Weakness 1

Answer 7

Not falsifiable. Freudian concepts cannot be seen or measured. However, first to link childhood to moral behaviour which is now seen as common sense.

Question 8

Weakness 2

Answer 8

Correlational. However, link applied successfully through parenting classes and adoption care.

Question 9

Weakness 3

Answer 9

Androcentric. Females don’t resolve Oedipus complex so all should be criminals.