Psychodynamic Explanations

Question 1

What are the three types of superego that were proposed by Blackburn?

Answer 1

Weak superego, deviant superego, over-harsh superego

Question 2

When is the superego formed?

Answer 2

At the end of the phallic stage of development when children resolve Oedipus/Electra complex

Question 3

What causes a weak superego?

Answer 3

Absence of same-sex parent during phallic stage. Child cannot internalise a fully-formed superego as there is no opportunity for identification.

Question 4

What causes a deviant superego?

Answer 4

If the superego that the child internalises has immoral or deviant values this would lead to offending behaviour.
E.g. boy raised by criminal father not likely to associate guilt with wrongdoing.

Question 5

What causes an over-harsh superego?

Answer 5

Individual is crippled by guilt and anxiety, which may (unconsciously) drive the individual to perform criminal acts in order to satisfy the superego’s overwhelming need for punishment.

Question 6

What study supports the psychodynamic explanation for offending?

Answer 6

Bowlby’s 44 juvenile thieves