Psychodynamic Theories

Question 1

What does Freuds Psychoanalysis look at?

Answer 1

Early childhood experiences

Question 2

What is the Id?

Answer 2

‘animal’ part of the mind. Powerful, selfish, pleasure-seeking needs and drives, such as the desire for food, sleep and sex.

Question 3

What is the superego?

Answer 3

Contains our conscience or moral rules we learnt from interactions with out parents during ealry socialisation. Internalises our parents ideas of rights and wrongs. If we act or think of acting contrary to the superego, it punishes us with feelings of guilt and anxiety

Question 4

What is the Ego?

Answer 4

Tries to balance the conflicting demands of the Id and Superego. Driven by ‘reality principle’; learns from experience that our actions have consequences. Acts in a way that satisfies the Id’s desires, but is also morally acceptable tot he superego

Question 5

Well-adjusted person

Answer 5

The ego will satisfy the Id’s urges while following your conscience

Question 6

Weak superego

Answer 6

Id is in control and you act how you want, regardless of morals

Question 7

Too harsh and unforgiving superego

Answer 7

Deep guilt, crave punishment, repeat offending

Question 8

Deviant superego

Answer 8

Person believes it is acceptable to act in a way that the rest of society sees as deviant

Question 9

What does Bowlbys Maternal Deprivation argue?

Answer 9

Argues maternal deprivation leads to deviant and anti-social behaviour.

Question 10

How is BMD caused?

Answer 10

Caused by not having a constant, positive relationship with the primary caregiver.

Question 11

What does BMD lead to?

Answer 11

Leads to an inability to form relationships, which leads to crime.

Question 12

MDP tests

Answer 12

44 delinquents, 39% had maternal deprivation. Control group, 5% had maternal deprivation.

Question 13

Pros of Freuds Psychoanalysis

Answer 13

+The theory points to the importance of early socialisation and family relationships in understanding criminal behaviour
+Psychoanalytic explanations have had some influence on policies for dealing with crime and deviance, which could help reduce crime rates

Question 14

Cons of Freuds Psychoanalysis

Answer 14

• Critics doubt the existence of an ‘unconscious mind’, how could we know about it if its unconscious
• Psychoanalytic explanations are unscientific and subjective, they rely on accepting the psychoanalysts claims that they can see into the workings of the individuals unconscious mind to discover their inner conflicts and motivations. This could end up dealing with criminals in the wrong way and wasting time