Pychological Explanation: Psychodynamic Flashcards
What does Blackburn argue
He believed if the superego is somehow deficient o inadequate then offending behaviour is inevitable
There are three types of inadequate superego has been proposed
- weak superego
- the deviant superego
- the over harsh superego
What dos the weak supper ego lead to
if same gender parent is absent during phallic stage a child cannot internalise a fully formed superego as there is no opportunity for identification
What can the deviant superego lead to
if superego hold internalises has immoral or deviant values that would lead to offending behaviour
What can the over harsh superego lead to
overly harsh parenting style leads to over harsh superego who is crippled by guilt and anxiety this may drive individual to preform criminal act in order to satisfy the superegos overwhelming need for punishment
Bowlby suggested that some people develop what
Some people develop affectionless psychopathology and are lacking in guilt ad remorse caused by maternal deprivation before critical period for attachment
Research support for the psychodynamic approach
Supported by bowlby
Conducted 44 thieves study investigating boys who had experienced separation from primary giver before critical period
These people where more likley to develop affectioless psychopathy an go on to commit more crime than those who had continuous attachment
Support psychodynamic claim that distribution to attachment in early childhood play a role in offending
Limitation of psychodynamic explanation of offending
Low scientific credibility
In contrast to biological theories the psychodynamic theory is unable to offer any objective or testable ideas of offending behaviour
Theory relies ideas that are testable
Outline one strength of the psychodynamic approach to explaining offender behaviours
Research to support concept of an overdeveloped superego
Megargee investigated violent offenders and found those with no prior history of violent crimes exploded and came violent without warning
Suggest overdeveloped superego can lead to overwhelming amount of tension and emotion that can lead to criminal behaviour
Explain why the psychodynamic explanation of offender behaviour can be criticised for being socially sensitive
Places blame of criminal behaviour on parents and childhood experiences
Perpetuating the idea that to develop normally and have a psychologically healthy development a nuclear family is required
