14.3 Assumptions Of Psychodynamics

Question 1

Freud compared consciousness to?

Answer 1

The tip of an iceberg

Question 2

According to Freud, what determines ALL behaviour?

Answer 2

People were in a perpetual state of conflict between the expression of
unconscious sexual and aggressive instincts
(biologically based drives or desires)
and societal demands. The energy from this conflict motivates / determines all behaviour.

Question 3

Freud developed a unique approach to psychotherapy called psychoanalysis. That was this aimed at?

Answer 3

Understanding the unconscious desires motivating behaviour.

Question 4

Newer theories by neo-Freudians opposed Freud’s approach. How?

Answer 4

They emphasised the role of
SOCIAL FACTORS in shaping personality
and the role of INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS
in determining behaviour.

Other theorists acknowledged the possibility of human being able to control primitive drives and lead fulfilling lives.

Question 5

Freud divided personality into 3 parts / forces. Name them.

Answer 5

ID - primal desired / basic nature (wild child)
Ego - reason and self control (grown up self)
Superego - quest for perfection (philosophical and spiritual ideals)

Question 6

Despite differences between theorists certain central ideas can be identified from all psychodynamic theories. Name 8?

Answer 6

1) personality - dynamic set of processes
2) processes work either in harmony or against but are rarely passive
3) competing pressures are in conflict
4) the conflicts and motivations are unconscious
5) the basic drive is sexual (life instinct) supplemented by aggression (death instinct) with its foundation in biology of individual
6) early childhood of extreme importance in determining contemporary behaviour
7) ego-defence mech protech against anxieties
8) mental health depend on balance of forces

Question 7

In psychodynamics, what represents a Conflict Model?

Answer 7

The unconscious forces inside a person which are in conflict with societal norms.

The ideal lifestyle involves a compromise / equal balance between the opposing forces.

Question 8

Freud compared consciousness to an iceberg. Explain.

Answer 8

He compared the larger part that is under water to the unconscious. It was more important than the conscious part.

Question 9

What unique approach did Freud develop to psychotherapy?

Answer 9

Psychoanalysis

Question 10

Neo-Freudians (loosely connected American psychologists who furthered Freuds theories) opposed his emphasis in sexuality and aggression as determinants for behaviour. What did they rather propose?

Answer 10

The role of 
social factors in shaping personality
and
the role of interpersonal relationships 
in determining behaviour

Question 11

“Repression” is an ego-defence mechanism. Define.

Answer 11

Unconsciously preventing / denying
threatening + painful impulses
thoughts + feelings
buried in unconscious not to reach consciousness

Eg. Employee traumatised by unemployment experience - forgetting interviews

Question 12

“Projection” is an ego-defense mechanism. Define.

Answer 12

Ascribing of own
often threatening and undesirable thoughts,
feelings, mistakes or motives
to others

Eg. Employee not promoted - boss’s prejudice

Question 13

“Reaction formation” is an ego-defense mechanism. Define.

Answer 13

Behaving exactly opposite of one’s true (possibly undesirable) feelings

Eg. Boasting about boss while actually harbouring feelings of rivalry.

Question 14

“Displacement” is an ego-defence mechanism. Define.

Answer 14

Directing negative emotions
away from original source
to a substitute person or object

Eg. Reprimanded employee being very strict and demanding at home

Question 15

“Fantacy” is an ego-defence mechanism. Define.

Answer 15

Fulfilling frustrated needs
by imaginary achievements
or wishful thinking

Eg. Insecure subordinate imagining being president

Question 16

“Overcompensation” is a ego-defence mechanism. Define.

Answer 16

Protecting weakness (or self-image) by over-emphasising other aspects

Eg. Achieving entrepreneur to compensate for growing up in poor family

Question 17

“Intellectualisation” or “isolation” is an ego-defence mechanism. Define.

Answer 17

Isolating threatening experiences or emotions
by speaking rationally or intellectually
about them.

Eg. When fired, an employee speaks about the process as according to the law.

Question 18

“Rationalisation” is an ego-defence mechanism. Define.

Answer 18

Finding logical, but false, excuses
to justify unacceptable behaviour.

Eg. Student asserts that he did not study for exam because he knew it would be unreasonable.

Question 19

“Regression” is an ego-defence mechanism. Define.

Answer 19

Avoiding painful feelings by reverting back to earlier, immature or las stressful behaviour. A form of fixation.

Eg. Supervisor has temper tantrums when he does not get his way with employees.

Question 20

“Identification” is an ego-defence mechanism. Define.

Answer 20

Defending against threatening feelings or low self-esteem by relating to someone else or an idea.

Eg. Young employee is very demanding, emulating the manager.

Question 21

“Sublimation” is an ego-defence mechanism. Define.

Answer 21

Related to displacement.
Channeling threatening thoughts + impulses
to acceptable outlets.

Eg. Minister transforms aggression into preaching
Artist sublimates sexual frustration in artistic
expression