Psychodynamic Theories

• Psychoanalysis:

  • According to Freud, our childhood experiences determine our personality and behaviour.
• Id- Unconscious mind, instinctive and selfish ”Pleasure Principle”. Primitive, we‘re both with them
• Superego:

  Conciense and moral rules developed during upbringing
• Ego:

  Behaviour that is the result of conflict between the id and the superego. The ego tries to compromise between what we want and how we think we should act
• Psychoanalysis Link to Crime:

  • poor relationship with parents during childhood due to neglect or excessive parenting (Too strict) can result in a over-harsh or deviant superego
  • Harsh Superego- feelings of guild about anti-social or selfish acts so will be antisocial or criminal to satisfy id
  • Harsh Superego- feelings of Guilt and craving punishment may become repeat offender
  • Deviant Superego- Where the child is successfully socialised but learns deviant moral code. A son may have good relationship with a criminal parent and such their superego will mot keep their id in check
• Maternal Deprivation:

  • J Bowlby believed tere is a link between maternal deprivation (Lack of motherly love and deviancy/criminality
  • If the mother-child attachment is broken due to separation for even a short period, it can stop the child developing meaningful emotional relationships with others
  • ”Affection-less Psychopathy”- can lead to criminality