Psychodynamic theories of crime: Freud and Bowlby Flashcards

1
Q

Describe evolutionary psychology: We are animals, driven by basic __________ _______. The emergence of society required us to control our animal _________. Psychology involves understanding how our instincts are channelled to produce ________ behaviour- and the issues that can occur with this process. We are caged by _______- it civilises the animal instincts within us.

A
  1. biological motives
  2. impulses/instincts
  3. civilised
  4. society
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What did Freud believe that the easiest way to understand criminal behaviour is?

A

By looking at early childhood experience.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What did Freud argue about the mind and what did this mean?

A

He argued that our mind was an unconscious region that controls behaviour and that much of what we do is unconscious. Therefore, crime is a consequence of the inability to control our biological drives.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What did Freud claim that criminality was linked to?

A

Guilt.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What does the the Iceberg Method consist of?

A
  • The conscious
  • The preconscious
  • The unconscious
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is the conscious?

A

The small amount of mental activity we know about: Thoughts, perceptions, and language.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What is the preconscious?

A

Things we could be aware of if we wanted or tried: Memories and stored knowledge.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What is the unconscious?

A

Things we are unaware of and cannot be aware of (Freud said we could through hypnotism): Fears, unacceptable sexual desires and immoral urges, violent motives, irrational wishes, immoral urges, selfish needs, shameful experiences, and traumatic experiences.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What 3 main parts (the tripartite) does Freud say our personality is divided into and is considered the psyche?

A
  1. The Id
  2. The Superego
  3. The Ego
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What is the Id?

A

The 1st psyche that functions in the irrational and emotional part of the mind, controlling instincts and selfish unconscious (when your born). Essentially it’s the primitive mind (basic needs and feelings) which works on the “pleasure principle”, e.g., “I want it now”.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What happens if your id is too strong?

A

You will be bound up in self-gratification and uncaring to others.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is the superego?

A

The 2nd psyche of morality (the opposite of id- society regulated i.e., school) and the embodiment of parental and societal values. It’s the last part of the mind to develop- the moral part. It constantly stores and enforces rules through the ability to create anxiety/the want to be liked, constantly striving for perfection (this perfection may be ideal but It’s far from realty or possibility).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What happens when your superego is too strong? What could this lead too?

A

You feel guilty all the time and more likely to be victims of crime. This could lead to criminal behaviour because of peer pressure (easily interested) or being guilty by association.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is the ego

A

The part of the ‘psyche’ that balances the drives from your Id and your Superego (the reality). It functions with the rational part of the mind and develops out of growing awareness that you can’t always get what you want- the struggle. Works on the ‘reality principle’- the need for compromise (negotiates between the Id and the Superego. The Ego denies instant gratification (Id).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What happens when your ego is too strong?

A

When Ego is too strong you are extremely rational and efficient, but cold, boring, and distant.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What does Freud suggest for a healthy psyche?

A

To have a ‘healthy psyche’ you need to balance all three- when each is conflicted it can cause criminal behaviour.

17
Q

What does Freud say leads to a Psychotic psyche?

A

Id= psychotic behaviour (psychosis)

18
Q

What does Freud say leads to a Neurotic psyche?

A

Neurosis comes from anxiety and guilt.

19
Q

Describe Megargee (1966) study on ‘Overcontrolled’ violent offenders?

A

Case studies of extremely violent offenders. Participants low aggression before and after.

20
Q

What is the ‘Strangulated effect’?

A

The expression of anger inhibited until it all comes out as once.

21
Q

How does Id link to aggression?

A

Aggression can be attributed to inadequate control of your Id. Id aggression can be built up if not managed by the ego to murderous intent.

22
Q

How does Superego link to aggression?

A

Chronically over controlled (Superego) individuals will be against aggressive behaviour.

23
Q

What does Freud suggest about children

A

Freud suggests that us as children make the transition from being dominated by Id to Ego and then form a balance between all 3 as we grow. Criminals are the children that had an imbalance between the Id and Superego.

24
Q

State Freud’ s ideas on a child’s home environment.

A

Freud said a child needs a stable home life and environment in order to help them achieve this balance.
Before it was taught that the dad was Id an the mum was Superego to justify nuclear families.

25
Q

Name 2 positives of Freud’s Iceberg Theory.

A

1) Helps to understand how issues in childhood development can lead to criminal behaviour as adults.
2) Ha been used therapeutically to delve into unconscious

26
Q

Name 5 negatives of Freud’s Iceberg Theory.

A

1)Claims to be scientific when It’s not- you can’t measure the ‘mind’
2) Low ecological validity
3) Low generalisability
4) Unethical
5) Difficult to put into policy