Psychological Explanations - Psychodynamic Explantions

Question 1

What are the two psychodynamic explanations of crime?

Answer 1

1. The inadequate superego
2. Maternal deprivation theory

Question 2

What is the super ego, where does it come from, what does it do?

Answer 2

Formed at end of Phallic stage, when the child resolves the Oedipus complex
Operates on morality principle and exerts its influence by punishing the ego through guilt for wrongdoing, whilst rewarding with pride for moral behaviour

Question 3

What did Blackburn (1993) suggest about the superego?

Answer 3

If deficient or inadequate then offending behaviour is inevitable because the ID is given ‘free reign’ and isn’t properly controlled

Question 4

What are the three types of inadequate superego?

Answer 4

1. Weak superego
2. Deviant superego
3. Over-harsh superego

Question 5

What is the weak superego?

Answer 5

If same sex parent absent in phallic stage, child cannot internalise with a fully formed superego as no opportunity for identification - leading to immoral or criminal behaviour more likely

Question 6

What is the deviant superego?

Answer 6

If the superego the child internalises has immoral or deviant values this would lead to offending behaviour

Question 7

What is the over-harsh superego?

Answer 7

Individual is crippled by guilt or anxiety - may drive the individual to perform criminal acts in order to satisfy the superegos overwhelming need or punishment (all unconsciously)

Question 8

What is the maternal deprivation theory?

Answer 8

Bowlby
Disruption to close continuous relationship to mother leads to poor relationship templates later on in life
Result in condition called “affection less psychopathy”, lack of guilt, empathy and feelings for others
Likley to engage in delinquent acts and struggle to develop close relationships with others

Question 9

Summarise the 44 thieves study

Answer 9

Out of 44 convicted criminals 14 were “affectionless psychopathy’s”
12/14 had been separated from primary caregiver for a prolonged period of time - Bowlby made a link based on this

Maternally deprived individuals are likley to engage in acts of delinquency and cannot develop close relationships with others as they lack experience to do so