Develops around 4, serves as conscience and has the ability to stop a behaviour
Strong superego causes guilt for actions
If it doesn't develop properly, neither do these abilities, increasing likelihood of criminal behaviour
ID free reign
Blackburn - if the superego is deficient or inadequate, offending behaviour is inevitable due to the free reign of the Id and the uncontrolled superego
Three types of inadequate superego
Underdeveloped superego
Can occur from the same-sex parent being absent between the ages of approximately 4-6 when superego is developing
Children cannot identify with or internalise a fully-formed superego
The ability to feel guilt and stop behaviour is impaired
The person is dominated by impulses, which can lead to criminal activity
Deviant superego
Focuses on identification, which occurs during the phallic stage when superego is developing
Children identify with same-sex parent to resolve Oedipus or Electra complex
Children adopt similar behaviour, potentially causing criminal activity
Overdeveloped superego
Individuals feel guilt most of the time
Crime serves as a release from the overwhelming guils
This relief only occurs when they are caught and punished, relieving the conscience
The role of emotion
Inadequate superego allows primitive, emotional demands to guide moral behaviour
Psychodynamic approach deals with emotional life of individuals e.g. acknowledges the role of anxiety and guilt in the development of offending behaviour
Lack of guild is relevant to the understanding of offending behaviour
