1.2.1 Psychodynamic explanation for relationship formation Flashcards
What is the oedipus complex
describe a child’s feelings of desire for his or her opposite-sex parent and jealousy and anger toward his or her same-sex parent.
What happens in the oedipus complex
In the phallic stage a young boy comes to desire his mother and regards his father as his rival, wishing him dead. This creates anxiety.
How is this resolved
When the boy comes to identify with his father
What does the resolution allow
the boy in the genital stage to develop normal healthy friendships and heterosexual relationships.
What happens if the oedipus complex is not successfully resolved (fixation at the phallic stage)
Relationship problems can occur and may lead to development of homosexulaity
What could over indulgance in the oral stage result in?
an unhealthy dependancy on others in later life.
This could mean a person becomes too needy in a relationship
What is developing in the phallic stage
superego, conscience and ego-ideal
What could fixation at phallic stage cause
An adult who is not capable of loving another person and entering into a relationship
Why may people use ego-defence mechanisms in relationships
Forming a relationship in adulthood may, for some people, bring up unpleasant emotions from the past. So ego defence mechanisms are used to avoid anxiety
Give an example of an ego defence mechanism being used in a relationship
A person who is in denial about their sexuality may try to form relationships that are not in line with their true feelings, resulting in these relationships being dysfunctional and eventually breaking down
Give an example of an ego defence mechanism being used in a relationship
Those who are not being honest in a relationship may deal with their guilt through rationalisation. For example ‘they deserve it because they dont give me enough attention’
How do defence mechanisms affect us
Affect our overall personality and our relationships
What did Bowlby find in terms of relationship formation
Most of the affectionless thieves had experienced prolonged seperation from the mother. They were unable to show concern or affection for others
WHat did this lead bowlby to devlope
Maternal deprivation hypothesis
What is maternal deprivation hypothesis
The view that the ability to form meaningful social relationships in adulthood was dependant on a close warm and continuous relationship with the mother in the first few years of life.
