The human mind is a labyrinthine landscape with conscious thoughts and actions residing alongside a vast, unseen realm—the subconscious. While the conscious mind governs deliberate choices, the subconscious harbours a mix of primal urges, repressed memories, and deeply ingrained beliefs. Understanding the role of the subconscious in criminal behaviour offers a crucial perspective on the motivations that drive individuals towards criminality.
Id, Ego and Superego: A Freudian Angle to Criminal Behaviour
According to Sigmund Freud’s influential theory of psychoanalysis, the human personality is composed of three distinct parts:
- The id,
- The ego, and,
- The superego.
The id, acting as the most basic and primal element, functions on instinctual drives and desires. It operates on the pleasure principle, seeking immediate gratification of basic needs and desires, such as sex, aggression and self-preservation. The id is amoral and impulsive, unaware of social norms or consequences. In the context of criminal behaviour, the id’s influence can manifest in uncontrolled aggression and destructive desires.
The ego sits between the id and the superego, acting as a mediator. It operates on the reality principle, aiming to satisfy the id’s desires in a realistic and socially acceptable way. The ego considers external factors like societal norms, laws, and consequences before taking action. Its role can be complex in criminal behaviour. It encompasses rationalisation, defence mechanisms, and moral ambiguity (it can lead to grey-area crimes where the individual justifies their actions based on specific circumstances).
The superego represents the internalised moral code, incorporating societal values, parental teachings and ideals of right and wrong. It strives for perfection and acts as a conscience, judging our actions and generating feelings of guilt or shame when we transgress its boundaries. When it comes to criminal behaviour, a strong superego can act as a deterrent while leading to feelings of guilt and shame. It can act as a solid moral compass and instil fear of punishment.
The Subconscious: A Reservoir of Influence
The subconscious mind is a complex and multifaceted entity. It acts as a repository for:
- Implicit biases – unconscious prejudices and stereotypes learned through upbringing and societal influences can shape perceptions and actions. These biases can fuel discriminatory behaviour, contributing to hate crimes or violence against certain groups.
- Repressed memories – traumatic experiences that are too painful to confront can be pushed into the subconscious. These repressed memories can manifest as violent impulses or self-destructive behaviour.
- Unmet needs—fundamental human needs for security, love, and belonging—can lead to feelings of frustration and desperation. These unmet needs can sometimes catalyse criminal activity as individuals seek to fulfil them unlawfully.
- Defence mechanisms—The subconscious employs various defense mechanisms to protect the ego from overwhelming emotions. Mechanisms like denial or projection can distort reality and fuel aggression, increasing the risk of criminal behaviour.
The Dark Passenger: How the Subconscious can influence criminal acts
Subconscious associations formed through past experiences can trigger intense emotional responses in certain situations. It often operates on instinct and learned patterns. In high-pressure situations, the subconscious can take over, leading to impulsive acts without conscious deliberation. This can be particularly dangerous when coupled with underlying subconscious motivations towards violence. It can rationalise and justify criminal actions. For instance, an individual raised in a culture of violence might subconsciously view violence as a natural way to resolve conflict, leading to criminal acts perceived as justified by their subconscious programming. Sometimes, the subconscious can become fixated on harmful thoughts or fantasies. These obsessions can manifest as criminal behaviour as the individual feels compelled to act on these subconscious urges.
Beyond Freud: The complexities of the subconscious and crime
Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theory placed the subconscious or “id” at the centre of criminal behaviour. This view has been challenged by modern psychology. The subconscious is not inherently a wellspring of criminality. The combination of subconscious influences, conscious choices and environmental factors contribute to criminal acts.
Case Study: The Supermarket Shooter
Imagine a man named John, raised in a poverty-stricken neighbourhood where violence was a daily reality. John witnessed his father’s murder at a young age, an event he repressed in his subconscious. John grew up harbouring a deep-seated anger towards authority figures, unknowingly influenced by his repressed trauma. One day, while stressed from financial difficulties, John enters a supermarket and encounters a security guard who reminds him of his abusive father. Subconscious associations trigger a surge of anger, and John, in a moment of impulsive rage, assaults the guard. John’s repressed trauma shaped his subconscious perception of authority, making him vulnerable to a violent outburst.
Conclusion
The subconscious mind plays a significant but multifaceted role in criminal behaviour. It acts as a reservoir of past experiences, implicit biases, and powerful emotions that can profoundly influence our actions. We can develop preventive measures by understanding how subconscious associations, repressed memories, and unmet needs can manifest as criminal impulses. Early intervention to address childhood trauma, promoting social and emotional learning, and fostering a just society are crucial steps in mitigating the influence of the subconscious on criminal behaviour. The human mind is a complex ecosystem, and the subconscious is powerful. By acknowledging its role and working towards a more balanced and healthy mental landscape, we can strive to create a safer and more just world.
Glossary
- Psychoanalysis is a therapeutic approach developed by Sigmund Freud that emphasises the role of the unconscious mind in human behaviour, thoughts, and emotions.
- Psychoanalytic theory, which originated from the work of Sigmund Freud, proposes a complex model of the human psyche.
References
- Baron, R. A. & Misra, K. (2013). Social cognition: Inference and attribution (2nd ed.). Psychology Press.
- Freud, S. (1923). The Ego and the Id (Vol. 19). Hogarth Press and the Institute of Psychoanalysis. https://www.sas.upenn.edu/-cavitch/pdf-library/Freud_SE_Ego_Id_complete.pdf
- Lilienfeld, S. O., Lynn, S. J., & Lohr, J. M. (2016). Foundations of abnormal psychology (10th.). Pearson.
Authored by
Vaishnavi Narreddy
Vaishnavi Narreddy is a recent graduate with a master’s degree in Forensic Science, specializing in Forensic Psychology. She is excited to bring a unique perspective to the world of corporate investigations. Her areas of interest include intelligence, uncovering fraud, and threats. Outside of academics and work, she is an avid reader, writer, and extreme movie buff.
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