basics in the psychodynamic theory (freud)

Question 1

what are the 7 defence mechanisms?

Answer 1

• regression
• projection
• rationalisation
• displacement
• denial
• repressions
• sublimation

Question 2

what is denial?

Answer 2

making yourself believe something won’t happen when in fact in will

Question 3

what is displacement?

Answer 3

where you transfer your feelings onto something or someone else

Question 4

what is rationalisation?

Answer 4

explaining our actions so that they make sense, so then we won’t feel so bad about them

Question 5

what is sublimation?

Answer 5

when people transform unwanted impulses into something less harmful and often even helpful

Question 6

what is projection?

Answer 6

when unacceptable thoughts are dealt with by saying they are someone else’s thoughts

Question 7

what is regression?

Answer 7

reverting back to a childlike state because you can’t get what you want

Question 8

what is repression?

Answer 8

pushing bad experiences or negative emotions to the back of your mind so you forget about it

Question 9

what is an id?

Answer 9

• the irrational pleasure principle that consists of urges and desires
• demands instant gratification
• present at birth
• if the id is denied its pleasure, it will become frustrated

Question 10

what is an ego?

Answer 10

• the reality principle that exists within the conscious mind
• finds a way a to grant the desires that come from the id
• reduces conflict
• acts as a mediator

Question 11

what is a superego?

Answer 11

• based on the morality principle, where decisions are made based on what is right for others
• guilt and shame is generated when the super ego objects the ego’s thoughts
• fights against aggression
• developes at ages 4 or 5

Question 12

what is the conscious part of the mind?

Answer 12

the part of the mind we are aware of at any one time

Question 13

what is the (role of) unconscious part of the brain?

Answer 13

• the part of the mind that we are unaware of, which could create psychological problems
• the most significant part in influencing and shaping our behaviour
• the driving motivation force between our behaviour and personality
• contains our biologiical instincts and drive (sexual and survival instincts and aggression)
• childhood memories can become part of our unconscious memory, influencing our behaviour0
• protects the conscious self from trauma and conflicts

Question 14

what is the pre-conscious part of the brain?

Answer 14

thoughts that may become conscious at some point, for example through dreams and the slip of thhe tongue (freudian slip)

Question 15

what is the freudian slip?

Answer 15

where we make a mistake in our speech that reveals our deep unconscious thoughts and desires

Question 16

what is dream analysis and how does it link to freud’s theory?

Answer 16

• the events that took place in our dreams are symbolic and could give us insights into the uncoscious meaning behind them
• “dreams are disguised fulfillments of repressed wishes” - freud

Question 17

libido

Answer 17

the energy of the sexual drive as a component of the lifeinstinct

Question 18

oedipus complex

Answer 18

a desire for sexual involvement with the parent of the opposite sex and a concomitant sense of rivalry with the parent of the same sex

Question 19

ellectra complex

Answer 19

the state of a young girl being attracted to the parent of the opposite sex during the phallic developmental stage while also developing a sense of competition with the same-sex parent

Question 20

freud’s theory on personality

Answer 20

freud proposed that the mind is divided into three components; the id, ego and superego