Aggression: Psychodynamic Flashcards
3.1.5 Biological explanation of aggression as an alternative to Freud’s psychodynamic explanation, referring to the different parts of the personality (id, ego, superego),
Who created psychodynamic theory?
Freud
Define the ego.
The reality check that balances the constant demands of the superego and the id.
Describe superego.
The moralistic part of the personality which represents our moral code. It develops during socialisation and can be altered to form a criminal view of the world.
Describe catharsis
Aggressions is an instinctive drive that can be satisfied by catharsis (Freud) by expressing aggression it makes further aggression less likely.
What is the pleasure principle?
It is what the id obeys- it demands immediate gratification of its desires. This makes aggression unavoidable, especially with a weak ego.
What is the reality principle?
What the ego follows- it puts the ids desires into a realistic form. E.g: instead of punching someone for annoying you, you scream into a pillow)
Evaluate the supporting evidence of the psychodynamic theory.
Freud was one of the first psychologists to highlight the importance of childhood in behaviours. He also took into account both nature and nurture in his explanation.
Evaluate psychodynamic theory O?
A weakness is catharsis may not be effective. Bushman made 600 college students angry and allowed them to vent their anger by hitting a punch bag. The students who took their anger out on the bag stayed angry for longer.
Evaluate psychodynamic theory D?
Freud used both naturalistic and nurture explanations in his psychodynamic theory however his study is based on case studies, qualitative data and his own interpretation which decreases validity
What did Freud believe the unconscious was?
A part of the line containing thoughts, memories, and desires, of which we are unaware
Evaluate the application of psychodynamic theory.
Catharsis:
To prevent a buildup of destructive, aggressive energy people can build harmless ways of expressing anger. For example, screaming into a pillow.
