Psychodynamic Theory Of Criminal Behaviour

There is no universal theory to explain criminal activity, but trait theories attempt to explain the biology and psychology behind criminal behaviour. Sigmund Freud, an early 20th century psychiatrist, created the psychodynamic theory which is now used to explain delinquent activity in some situations (Siegel, et al., 2013, p. 102). Freud’s theory breaks the human personality into three parts: the id is born with a person and drives their need for life sustaining essentials and instant satisfaction, the ego is developed in early childhood and helps balance the id to keep one’s actions within the social norm, and the superego develops based on the personality and values of the people someone surrounds themselves with (p. 102). The psychodynamic

The terms neurotic and psychotic are no longer used but are now referred to as disorders, such as schizophrenia disorder (p. 103). Psychoanalyst’s have found that most criminal minds are dominated by the id and are often unable to control their impulses, leading them to partake in antisocial and potentially criminal acts (p. 103). Noted psychoanalyst, August Aichorn, developed the latent delinquency theory which found that young criminals usually seek instant gratification, satisfy their needs over the needs of others, and do not consider right and wrong when satisfying their needs (pp. 103-104). Since the ego is mostly developed in early childhood, children who grew up in broken homes and were not taught how to conventionally deal with their issues (p. 104). The lack of ego can often lead to a lack of super ago as well and further encourage children to be taken over by the id and partake in criminal behaviour

Since they are unable to control their id and decision making process some would argue that these people are unfit to be in society, no matter their age, gender, or any other contributing factors. People biologically more likely to commit crimes can potentially commit crimes that have a negative impact on society. According to the Youth Criminal Justice Act, young offenders charged with aggravated sexual assault can only be sentenced to jail time up to 3 three years and serve the rest of their sentence under supervision in the community (Greenspan et al., 2016, p. 1109). The victims of sexual assault, as well as their family and friends, are likely uncomfortable with the idea of the offender being released back into the community so soon. If biological theories, such as Freud’s psychodynamics, could prove that crime is 100% inherited some would argue that young offenders committing violent crimes, such as aggravated sexual assault, do not deserve a second chance. Supporters of this theory would likely support young offenders being sentenced for life, or in extreme cases, capital punishment. Even if biological theories could prove that crime is completely inherited, each case still needs to be looked at and considered individually. There are different rehabilitation programs for young offenders that help