psycho dynamic explanation

• What is the central idea of the psychodynamic explanation of criminal behavior?

  The idea of an inadequate superego
• During which stage of development should the superego form?

  During the phallic stage of development
• What is the consequence of an inadequate superego according to the psychodynamic explanation?

  The id has too much power, leading to inevitable criminal behavior
• What are the three types of inadequate superego proposed?

  • Weak superego
  • Deviant superego
  • Over harsh superego
• What happens if the same sex parent is absent during the phallic stage?

  Resolution of the Oedipus or Electra complex is not possible, leading to a weak superego
• How does a deviant superego influence behavior?

  If the same sex parent is immoral or deviant, it can lead to offending behavior
• What is the effect of identifying with an over harsh superego?


  It may drive the individual unconsciously towards criminal behavior due to a desire for punishment
• According to Freud, why are women considered less moral than men?

  Because girls do not experience castration anxiety and are under less pressure to identify with their mothers
• What do official statistics say about the gender split in the world’s prisons?

  93% male and 7% female
• Why is it socially sensitive to suggest that children from single parent families are more likely to become criminals?

  It has far-reaching ethical implications and lacks evidence
• What is the main criticism of the psychodynamic theory regarding scientific credibility?

  It lacks scientific credibility as the concept of the superego is unfalsifiable and immeasurable
• What did Bowlby propose about infants who cannot form a continuous attachment with their mother?

  They are at risk of developing intellectual, behavioral, and emotional difficulties
• What is "affectionless psychopathy" according to Bowlby?


  The total inability to feel any emotion for other people, such as guilt or empathy
• How does affectionless psychopathy affect relationships throughout life?

  It prevents the child from forming normal relationships
• What were the findings of Bowlby's study on juvenile thieves?

  • 44 juvenile thieves were interviewed
  • 14 were identified as affectionless psychopaths
  • 12 of these had experienced prolonged separation from their mother
  • Only 5 non-psychopath thieves experienced maternal deprivation
  • 2 in a control group of 44 non-thieves experienced maternal deprivation
• What did Lewis find in his replication of Bowlby's study with 500 teenagers?

  He found no link between maternal deprivation during the critical period and criminality or psychopathy
• What is a limitation of the validity of Bowlby's interviews with the thieves?

  There was no inter-rater reliability established, and reliance on parents' memories is problematic
• Why is the fallibility of memory a concern in Bowlby's study?

  Because it affects the accuracy of the information provided by parents