In the field of criminology sociological and psychological theories are the two major

explanations for the causes of crime. Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) is the founder of

psychoanalysis which can be used in criminology to explain crime. Causes of delinquency and

criminal behavior are most prominently explained in Freud's psychoanalytic theory, which

suggests that an individual's well-being is dependent on a healthy interaction among the id, ego,

The psychoanalytic theory is the search for causes of crime within the make up of an

individual. It explains that delinquency is caused by disturbances or abnormalities in an

individual's emotional development from early childhood. Freud believes that some people have

antisocial tendencies in the unconscious of their mind, that branches back to a traumatic early

childhood, and cause long-term psychological problems. Three possible causes of crime that can

be attributed to the psychoanalytic theory are a strong conscious that creates guilt, a weak

conscious that can not control an individuals urges and a criminals need for immediate

gratification. (Adler, Mueler and Lau

way without regard for reason, logic, or morality. (Plotnik 436). The id is driven by what Freud

therapist. The therapist, in short, becomes a love object, for the patient, but without the therapist

mistakes or use careless ways of committing the crime in order to be caught and punished. (Vold

conflict in their unconscious mind that creates guilt and therefore gives them feelings that make

Some common words found in the essay are:
Oedipus Complex, Mueller Laufer, Mueler Laufer, Sigmund Freud, Makari Freud, Freud Freud, Criticisms Freud, Electra Complex, Psychoanalytic Theory, sex parent, psychoanalytic theory, freud believes, ego superego, causes crime, opposite sex parent, mind develops, vold 132, immediate gratification, oedipus complex, id ego, Adler Mueller, adler mueller laufer, id ego superego,
Approximate Word count = 1639
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)