psychodynamic explanations of offending

Question 1

What are the three types of inadequate superegos suggested by Blackburn?

Answer 1

Deviant superego
Weak superego
Over-harsh superego

These types are associated with criminality and formed at the end of the phallic stage.

Question 2

What does a deviant superego lead to?

Answer 2

Internalisation of abnormal moral standards from criminal parents

This type of superego affects the child’s sense of right and wrong.

Question 3

What causes a weak superego?

Answer 3

Lack of identification with the same-sex parent during the phallic stage

This could be due to the absence of the same-sex parent.

Question 4

What is the characteristic of an over-harsh superego?

Answer 4

Craves punishment due to experiences with over-harsh parents

This leads to feelings of guilt and a desire for atonement.

Question 5

How does a dysfunctional superego affect behavior?

Answer 5

Allows the id to gain control, leading to selfishness and impulsivity

This can result in criminal behavior.

Question 6

What theory is the idea of an inadequate superego based upon?

Answer 6

Bowlby’s theory of maternal deprivation

This theory emphasizes the importance of attachment formation in the first two years of life.

Question 7

What are the consequences of maternal deprivation according to Bowlby?

Answer 7

• Irreversible emotional consequences
• Intellectual consequences
• Affectionless psychopathy
• Mental retardation

These consequences were demonstrated in Bowlby’s 44 juvenile thieves study.

Question 8

Fill in the blank: The weak superego is present due to a lack of _______ with the same-sex parent.

Answer 8

[identification]

Question 9

True or False: A deviant superego is formed by internalizing normal moral standards.

Answer 9

False

A deviant superego leads to internalizing abnormal moral standards.