Approaches: Psychodynamic Approach Flashcards
Who made the psychodynamic approach?
Sigmund Freud.
What does the psychodynamic approach state?
Events in our childhood have a great influence on our adult lives, shaping our personality.
What are the main points of psychodynamic approach?
- All behaviour is from childhood. (Stages)
- Tripartite explanation. (ID, Ego, Superego)
- Unconscious mind.
- Defence mechanisms.
What makes the tripartite model of the mind?
- Id
- Ego
- Superego
When is each part of personality present?
Id- present from birth.
Ego- formed 18 months - 3yrs.
Superego- formed 3 - 6yrs.
What is the Id
Unconscious focuses on self. Seeks pleasure. (Selfish)
What is the ego?
The rational, conscious part of the mind. Tries to balance the Id and superego.
What is the superego?
Acts as the conscience or moral guide, based on parental and societal values.
What if the ego is too weak?
Allows id and superego to dominate.
What if id is too strong?
Selfish, out of control, could become an addict.
What if your superego is too strong?
Strict, anxious, obsessive.
What are the 3 defence mechanisms?
Denial
Displacement
Repression
What would occur if there was no defence mechanisms?
Constant disagreements between id, ego, superego can lead to anxiety
What is denial?
When a person refuses to accept that an event has happened.
What is displacement?
You redirect your feelings e.g. anger to another target.
What is repression?
You force a distressing memory out of the conscious mind.
What are Freud’s stages of psychosexual development?
- Oral stage
- Anal stage
- Phallic stage
- Latency stage
- Genital stage
When do the stage of psychosexual development occur?
- Oral (birth - 1yr)
- Anal (1yr - 2yr)
- Phallic (3 - 5/6 yrs)
What is oral stage
Activities involving the mouth, sucking, biting, chewing.
What is Anal stage?
Pleasure of going to toilet.
What fixations are caused by Anal stage?
- Anal-retentive (overly controlling)
- Anal-expulsive (easily angered)
What is phallic stage?
Source of pleasure: Genitals.
Can result in guilt or anxiety about sex.
What case study supports Freud’s psychosexual stage?
Little Hans: fear of horses - relates to hatred of his dad.
Is Freud’s theory determinist or free will?
Determinist.
What are advantages of psychodynamic approach?
Has led to psychotherapy helping people talk about their mental health issues and relate these to their childhood.
What are limitations of psychodynamic approach?
- It is unfalsifiable - meaning it can’t be shown to be true or false.
- Lacks scientific proof
