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This study describes three types of criminals, differentiated according to dynamic criteria:
The presocial criminal has an undeveloped superego. His ego is relatively weak and easily gives in to strong impulses although it can inhibit them in the presence of superego prototypes. A person of this type makes a good prison inmate, but, away from surveillance, he relapses. The disorder may be due either to a weak father, whose example did not sufficiently stimulate the son's mental development or to an especially strong and aggressive father who provoked an orally dependent, passive attitude in the son. This type belongs to Freud's 'erotic' libidinal type whose need to be loved is prominent.
The antisocial criminal is characterized by an unconscious need for punishment. He has had a cruel, harsh father who maltreated his mother. He is caught in his Oedipus conflict, forever trying to placate his harsh superego. He makes a troublesome inmate, yet he offers the best prospect for reform