Psychological Perspectives On Criminology Flashcards
Psychological theories of crime examines criminality through theories of “________” or “_________”
Personality; learning
Most psychological theories on crime are based on what one of two assumptions?
- Assumption of offender deficit:
- something is psychologically wrong with the offender - Assumption of discriminating traits:
- offenders differ from non-offenders in terms of personality traits- especially impulsivity and aggression
What is psychoanalytic theory?
What are the 3 components?
Involves Sigmund Freud
3 components:
1. ID:
- compulsive, unconscious, & pleasure seeking
2. SUPEREGO:
- internalized societal constraints
3. EGO:
- balances the ID & SUPEREGO in cognitive, conscious thought
Ex. Think of iceberg
What are Sigmund Freuds 5 stages of psychosexual development?
-
Oral (0-1 yrs old):
- pleasure centers on the mouth -
Anal (1-3 yrs old)
- focus on bowel and bladder control -
Phallic (3-6 yrs old)
- focus on the genitals
oedipus complex (Freud) / Electra complex (jung)
= resolving these —> identification w/ same-sex parent
-
Latent (6-12 yrs old):
- sexual feelings dormant
- shifts to social/intellectual skills -
Genital (12+ yrs old):
- mature sexual interests develop
What does psychoanalytic theory believe criminal behaviour comes from?
ID domination
Underdeveloped superego/inadequate ego
= ‘delinquent ego’
Problems experienced during any of the stages of
development resulting in internal conflicts and tensions
= unresolved guilt may lead to criminal behaviour
= punishment may relieve guilt
How did Healy in “roots of crime” apply Freuds principles to the study of criminal behaviour…
What are the 4 unconscious features in prisoner behaviour?
- Overcompensation for a sense of inferiority
- Attempt to relieve a sense of guilt
- Revengeful feelings toward mother
- Gratification of dependent tendencies by living in prison
Was does psychoanalytic theory say about women and ‘penis envy’?
Says women suffer from ‘penis envy’
As children, they believe they lost their penis as a form of punishment
’penis envy ‘ if not adequately resolved will result in
neuroticism or aggression/revengefulness
Criminal behaviour in women owing to uncontrollable rebelliousness and aggression
What are 4 criticisms of psychoanalytic theory?
- Not all criminals suffer from guilt or anxiety
- Gender bias
- Theory is unscientific (can’t be scientifically validated)
-
Theory is tautological
ex. aggressive acts seen as result of impulses; evidence for impulses is aggressive acts
What is evolutionary theory?
Seeks to understand adaptive functions
ex. survival; reproduction
Successful adaptation sourced in genes
What is forensic evolutionary psychology?
Men are more aggressive and antisocial as they need to compete with other men…
= increase mating opportunities and ensure survival
Women are less aggressive and risk-taking as they…
=take care of children to ensure survival
What are 3 criticisms of evolutionary theory?
1.The theory normalizes, legitimizes and excuses criminal behaviours
- The theory suggests that criminal behaviour is
predetermined
= -therefore, it suggests little can be done to correct it - The theory is hypothetical and difficult to test since it is based on the behaviour of early humans
What is social concern theory (Robert Agnew (2014))?
Agnew rejected the idea that the only source of human nature is self-interest
Evidence suggests that altruism and social concern also emerged out of the evolutionary process
Those low in social concern will engage in more criminal behaviours
What are the 4 elements of social concern?
- Care about the welfare of others
- Desire close ties to certain others (cooperative and emotional ties)
- Follow certain moral intuitions and punish those who violate them
- Conform to social norms and sanction those who violate them
What are some example situations where evolutionary advantage is provided by social concern?
- Kin protection
- Mate selection
- Reciprocity
- Survival
What is the theory of moral development?
What are the 3 stages?
- PRECONVENTIONAL:
- 3-7yrs old
- avoid punishment & obtain reward - CONVENTIONAL:
- 8-13yrs old
- belong/be accepted & obey rules/regulations - POST-CONVENTIONAL:
- adulthood
- make/keep promises & live moral imperatives
What traits are in the introversion/extraversion scale?
*Highly extraverted, sociable, impulsive and aggressive
Highly introverted, introspective and inhibited
What traits are in the neuroticism/emotional stability scale?
Neurotic anxiety & restlessness
Emotional stability
What traits are in the psychoticism/mental stability scale?
Cold, impersonal, hostile, odd & antisocial
Is on a continuum scale..
Warm, personable, nice & socialable
= serves as a way to assess mental health severity
What is the general theory of crime?
What does the personality look like with someone with low self-control?
Low self-control causes deviance and criminal activity
Authors proposed that early childhood experiences can produce low levels of self-control
= that result in higher levels of deviance throughout the lifespan
Personality (often developed by age 7) of people with low self control:
-self-centered
-inability to defer gratification
-lack of diligence and tenacity
-risk-seeking
-impulsive
-insensitive to needs of others
What is antisocial behaviour?
Behaviour opposed to norms/expectations of society
Often causes distress to others
Norms:
- *established standards of behaviour maintained by a society *
What is antisocial personality disorder (ASPD)?
What are the 3 aspects or more that you need to be considered with this disorder?
Pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others occurring since age 15 years
Indicated by three (or more) of the following:
- failure to conform to social norms with respect to *lawful * as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest
- deceitfulness, as indicated by repeated lying, use of aliases, or conning others for personal profit or pleasure
- Impulsivity or failure to plan ahead
What is psychopathy (psychopaths)?
Psychopaths are ‘instraspecies predators who use charm, manipulation, intimidation, and violence to control others and to satisfy their own selfish needs
Lacking in conscience and in feelings for others, they cold-bloodedly take what they want
and do as they please, violating social norms and expectations
Without the slightest sense of guilt or regret
Like all predators, they like the action and rewards
What happens when psychopath enters a flexible, corporate working world?
High risks can equal high profits
= that attracts psychopaths
They may enter as rising stars and corporate saviors…
but all too soon they’re abusing the trust
of colleagues, manipulating supervisors, and leaving the workplace in shambles
What is the difference b/w antisocial personality disorder and psychopathy?
Sociopaths:
- are born with relatively normal temperaments
- their behaviour may traced to parental neglect, delinquent peers, poverty, extremely low/high intelligence
Psychopaths:
- are born with temperamental differences
