8.psychodynamic explainations

Question 1

what is the psychodynamic approach to offending

Answer 1

offenders have an ID which is not conto=rolled well enough dues to problems of superego developing

Question 2

when does superego develop

Answer 2

at the end of the phallic stage of psychosexual at the end of the phallic stage at 3-6 years

Question 3

what is the oedipus complex

Answer 3

male children unconsciously wish to possess their mother and get rid of the father and internalise fathers superego as their own

Question 4

what is the electra complex

Answer 4

girls go through a similar process, but dont internalise the mothers superego to the same extent, so their own superego is less well developed than a male

Question 5

what are the 3 types of inadequate superego

Answer 5

-weak supergo, superego weak due to failure to identify fully with same sex parent
-deviant superego. superego is deviant due to identification with a deviant same sex parent
-over harsh super ego, the individual is crippled with guilt, and crimes are committed to fulfill the unconscious desire for punishment

Question 6

strengths of inadequate superego

Answer 6

• theory combines innate drives such as those in the id and the effects of early experience (nature vs nurture)

Question 7

weakness of inadequate superego

Answer 7

• there is no evidence that children with out the same sex parent offend more than children who do
• the idea that some criminals have an unconscious desire for punishment is implausible, offenders go to great lengths to conceal crime and avoid punishment