basic assumptions of psychodynamic approach

Question 1

Freud

Answer 1

Sigmund Freud is viewed as the founder of the psychodynamic approach - he began his career as a doctor of medicine, however he realised that some of his patient’s symptoms such as paralysis and severe headaches had no physical cause.
He proposed that physical symptoms were actually caused by deep-rooted psychological conflict with the unconscious mind.
The idea that the unconscious mind could influence behaviour formed the basis of the psychodynamic approach.

Question 2

parts of the mind

Answer 2

The conscious mind, the pre-conscious mind, and the unconscious mind. The unconscious mind includes biological instincts that cannot consciously be accessed but that have a significant influence on behaviour.
Behaviour is explained as a result of conflicts between these different aspects of the mind.
Unconscious forces in our mind determine our thoughts, feelings and behaviour.

Question 3

childhood

Answer 3

Early childhood experiences shape us as adults. Failure to resolve conflicts (e.g. not properly progressing through the five psychosexual stages) in childhood can lead to psychological problems as an adult.