Psychodynamic Theory - this is a famous psychological theory of behaviour. It is a personality theory that states our personality develops through stages. This theory sees our personality as containing an active forces that cause us to act in the way we do. These forces are powerful urges, feels and conflict within the unconscious mind.
Freud suggested that the part of the mind we know about is simply 'the tip of the iceberg'
Most of our mind is unconscious - these are biological drives that determine our behaviour and personality
These unconscious forces drive all behaviour - including criminality
Freud: '"the child is the father to the man"'
Our early childhood experiences determine our personality and future behaviours
Early experiences will determine if we have antisocial ways
Personality
Made up of three parts (Tripartite Theory of Personality)
Id
Instincts - basic needs (sleep, hunger -- selfish and primitive) - gets what it wants
Ego
Reality - develops from about 18 months. The reality principle. It is practical and acts as a mediator between the id and superego
Superego
Morality - internalise morality from same sex parent. Our conscience and ego ideal
A healthy personality needs a balance of all 3 parts
Personality dominated by Id
Person will act impulsively 'taking what they want' leading to criminal behaviour
Personality dominated by Superego
Person will be moralistic and judgemental when perfection is not achieved
Personality dominated by Ego
Person will struggle to accept change and have a fixed/rigid lifestyle
Weak superego
Same sex parent is absent during phallic stage. Child has no one to identify with and no morality to internalise
Deviant superego
The child identifies with same sex parent but that parent happens to be a criminal. Therefore, the child develops the same morality as a criminal
Harsh or overdeveloped superego
Strong identification with a strict parent. Causing excessive guilt and anxiety
