The role of the superego when explaining criminality

Cards (3)

  • The superego is weakly developed 

    This would cause someone to experience and internalise less guilt, meaning that the id can be dominant. This person may not experience remorse or concern themselves with what is right or wrong and would be more likely to commit crime than others
  • The superego is overly harsh
    This would cause someone to experience high levels of guilt and anxiety. This person may commit crime in order to be punished
  • The superego is deviant
    This may occur where a child has been socialised into a family where crime is committed and where pro-crime attitudes are the norm. This person will not experience guilt that should be associated with breaking rules, and therefore is likely to engage in criminal behaviours