Assumption [1]

Question 1

What is the first assumption of the psychodynamic approach.

Answer 1

Behaviour can be explained through the tripartite model of personality.

Question 2

Explain what the tripartite model of personality is.

Answer 2

The belief that our personality is split into three parts: Id, Ego and Superego.

Question 3

Explain the Id and what principle it is said to work on.

Answer 3

The Id is the primitive part of the mind present at birth, meaning it is the first part to develop.

It is responsible for basic biological impulses. And encourages to seek out gratification of selfish desires. Therefore, it is said to work on the pleasure principle.

Question 4

Explain the Ego and what principle it is said to work on.a

Answer 4

The Ego is the second to develop, around two years old.

It aims to gratify the Id,s impulses in line with what is morally acceptable in society. Therefore, it is said to work on the reality principle.

Question 5

Explain the Superego and what principle it is said to work on.

Answer 5

The Superego develops last, through the internalisation of our parent’s values and social standards.

It is our ideal-self and judges if our actions are right or wrong like a conscience. Therefore it works on the morality principle.

Question 6

What happens if the ego does not correctly mediate between the Id and Superego?

Answer 6

The Id or Superego can become dominant causing development of certain personality traits.

(Dominant Id - Narcissistic & Impulsive)
(Dominant Superego - gullible & anxious)