Assumption [2] ‘unconscious mind’

Question 1

What is the second assumption of the psychodynamic approach.

Answer 1

Behaviour can be influenced by our unconscious.

Question 2

What are the ways we can access our unconscious?

Answer 2

1. Dream analysis
2. Inkblot test
3. Free association

Question 3

How is the intra-psychic conflict controlled?

Answer 3

Repression - Unknowingly placing a harmful memory or thought in the unconscious.

Displacement - Redirecting unacceptable feelings and thoughts from the original source to a safer substitute.

Projection - Attributing one’s own unacceptable feelings and thoughts to someone else.

Question 4

What is the freud’s iceberg analogy?

Answer 4

An explanation to the levels in our mind.

Conscious being at the tip of the iceberg above water, relates to what we are aware of thoughts, actions etc.

Subconscious is the middle of the iceberg being both above and below the water, this resembles how the things in this level are automatically below our awareness but can be accessed with focus.

Unconscious being the bottom of the iceberg always below water, symbolising the things we are unaware of and unable to access.