Psychological Explanations Of Offending Behaviour: Psychodynamic Explanation

Question 1

How does the psychodynamic explanation explain criminal behaviour?

Answer 1

As the result of unconscious conflicts with different parts of the mind (id, ego and superego)

Question 2

What is the superego?

Answer 2

A person’s conscience - the part of personality that’s responsible for morality

Question 3

According to Blackburn, what are the 3 different ways the superego may develop in a way that leads to criminal behaviour?

Answer 3

Under-developed superego
Over-developed superego
Deviant superego

Question 4

Explain the role of an under-developed superego in criminal behaviour

Answer 4

If the same sex parent is absent during the phallic stage, the child won’t identify & internalise their values — person doesn’t feel guilt — id isn’t properly controlled — can result in criminal behaviour

Question 5

Explain the role of an over-developed superego on criminal behaviour

Answer 5

Person may feel excessive guilt — more likely to commit a crime because of an unconscious desire to be caught and punished to alleviate the guilt

Question 6

Explain the role of a deviant superego on criminal behaviour

Answer 6

If superego that child internalises has immoral/deviant values, they’re more likely to be a criminal

Question 7

What does the ego use to mediate between the id and superego?

Answer 7

Defence mechanisms