Psychodynamic (Psych Explanations)

Question 1

What is the inadequate Superego?

Answer 1

• Superego forms at the end of the phallic stage and works on the morality principle and punishes the ego through guilt
• Blackburn argues if the superego is inadequate offending behaviour is inevitable as ID has free rein
• The weak superego: same gender parent is absent during phallic stage child cannot internalise a full superego
• The Deviant Superego: if internalised superego has immoral values criminal behaviour is likely
• The over-harsh superego: an excessively punitive parenting style leads to over harsh superego who is crippled by guilt and this unconsciously guides them to crime to satisfy the superegos overwhelming need for punishment

Question 2

What is the role of emotion?

Answer 2

• effect of inadequate superego is it allows primitive demands (ID) to guide moral behaviour

Question 3

How is the theory of maternal deprivation linked to offending behaviour?

Answer 3

• ability to form relationships in adulthood is dependant on the child forming a warm, continuous relationship with mother figure
• A consequence of maternal deprivation is development of affectionless psychopathy (lack of guilt and empathy for others)
• these people are likely to engage in offending behaviour

Question 4

How is Bowlby’s thieves study relevant?

Answer 4

• 44 juvenile thieves and their families whom Bowlby interviewed
• found 14 have affectionless psychopathy and of those 14 12 has experienced prolonged separation from mothers at a young age