Approaches: Psychodynamic

Question 1

What are the assumptions of the psychodynamic approach?

Answer 1

• our unconscious mind (a part of our mind that we cannot access) drives our behaviour.
• Instincts and drives motivates our behaviour through developmental stages.

Question 2

Who is the main researcher of the psychodynamic approach?

Answer 2

Sigmund Freud

Question 3

What are the three structures of personality called?

Answer 3

The tripartite structure of personality

Question 4

Name the 3 parts of the tripartite structure.

Answer 4

• ID
• Ego
• Superego

Question 5

What is ID?

Answer 5

The ID operates on the pleasure principle. It is made of selfish instincts that demand immediate gratification. (from birth to 18 months)

Question 6

What is EGO?

Answer 6

The EGO operates on the reality principle. It utilises rational thinking , balancing the demands of ID and SUPEREGO. (from 18 months to 3 yrs)

Question 7

What is SUPEREGO?

Answer 7

The SUPEREGO operates on morality principle. It internalises the norms and values of society and acts as a conscience. (around 3 to 6)

Question 8

What is a defence mechanism?

Answer 8

unconscious strategies that the ego uses to balance ID and SUPEREGO.

Question 9

State and explain the examples of defence mechanisms

Answer 9

• Repression is pushing a distressing memory to your unconscious.
• Denial is refusing to accept the reality of an unpleasant situation.
• Displacement is a strong emotion expressed onto a neutral person or object.

Question 10

Explain the psychosexual stages of development

Answer 10

5 stages of development
(each stage there is a ‘source of pleasure’ known as libido)

Question 11

What is the Oral Stage in Freud’s psychosexual theory (0-1 years)?

Answer 11

Pleasure comes from the mouth (sucking, feeding). Feeding experiences shape trust, dependency, and frustration.

Question 12

What are the consequences of unresolved conflict in the Oral Stage?

Answer 12

Oral fixation can lead to dependency, pessimism, overeating, smoking, or nail-biting.

Question 13

What is the Anal Stage in Freud’s psychosexual theory (1-3 years)?

Answer 13

Pleasure centres on controlling bowel movements. Toilet training introduces discipline and conditional love.

Question 14

What are the consequences of unresolved conflict in the Anal Stage?

Answer 14

Anal retentive personality (obsessive, stingy) or anal expulsive traits (messy, reckless).

Question 15

What is the Phallic Stage in Freud’s psychosexual theory (3-5 years)?

Answer 15

Focus on genitals and self-exploration. The Oedipus complex leads to superego formation through identification with the same-sex parent.

Question 16

What are the consequences of unresolved conflict in the Phallic Stage?

Answer 16

Men may develop anxiety, guilt, or vanity. Women may experience inferiority or envy.

Question 17

What is the Latent Stage in Freud’s psychosexual theory (5-puberty)?

Answer 17

Sexual drives are repressed, and the focus shifts to learning, friendships, and social skills.

Question 18

What are the consequences of unresolved conflict in the Latent Stage?

Answer 18

Fixation does not occur during this stage.

Question 19

What is the Genital Stage in Freud’s psychosexual theory (puberty-death)?

Answer 19

Pleasure centres on mature sexual relationships, with the reawakening of sexual instincts from earlier stages

Question 20

What are the consequences of unresolved conflict in the Genital Stage?

Answer 20

A lack of fixation here may result in difficulty forming healthy adult relationships.