Beyond Freud: Neo-Analytic Perspectives Flashcards
1
Q
Criticisms of Freud
A
- Saw no value in experimentation or hypothesis testing; relied on case studies
- Negative view of human nature (incl. excessive focus on sex and aggression)
- Sexist, homophobic theories
2
Q
Contributions of Freud
A
- Structure of personality
- Defense mechanisms
- Narcissism trait
- Childhood development
- Unconscious processes
- Psychoanalysis
3
Q
Anna Freud
A
- Neo-Freudian
- continued the work of her father; focused on psychoanalysis in children; death and dying
- Expanded upon defence mechanisms
4
Q
Defence mechanisms proposed by Anna Freud (don’t need to focus on these)
A
- Introjection: adopting others’ thoughts, feelings, etc. (taking it in rather than projecting out; ie. Thinking you’re wrong after an argument with a friend)
- Turning against the self: self-harm (ie. Cutting, suicide)
- Isolation: detachment, compartmentalization (ex. “I’m not going to think about this at school, but I’ll think about it later”)
5
Q
Ego Psychology
A
- Focused on the development of the ego within reality
- Emphasized the role of identity, which is experienced by a person as a sense of self
6
Q
Evolution of the meaning of “ego”
A
- Freud: most conscious part of the mind/executive
- Ego psychology: part of the mind that represents us (identity, self)
- Today: self-esteem, self-worth
7
Q
Freud’s contributions: structure of personality
A
- Although id and superego are no longer studied, the idea that the mind had components was an important one
- The human brain can be compartmentalized (broken down into parts, according to biology and the emergent mind)
8
Q
Freud’s contributions: defense mechanisms
A
- Remain relevant today (“coping mechanisms” or “strategies”)
- Regardless of the part of the mind in control, few would argue that these are not important determinants of human behaviour
9
Q
Hierarchy of Defense Mechanisms
A
- Level 1: pathological/psychotic defenses (most extreme/least mature; indicative of mental illness)
- Level 2: immature defences
- Level 3: neurotic/intermediate defences
- Level 4: mature defences (best ones, most mature - ex. Sublimation)
10
Q
the narcissism trait
A
- Narcissism: an extreme preoccupation with self, including grandiosity (sense of superiority), inflated self-admiration, and constant attention-seeking
- Excessively positive view of self, negative view of others, bragging, egotism (inflated sense of importance), superiority, entitlement, derogation of others
- According to Freud, narcissism can occur when an individual’s libidinal energy is invested in the ego itself, rather than another person
- Classic narcissists: Armand Hammer, Schwarzenegger (higher levels of narcissism among celebrities), Trump
11
Q
narcissistic personality disorder
A
pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, lack of empathy
12
Q
megalomaniac
A
delusions of greatness/wealth
13
Q
Trump Case Study: Narcissism
A
- Narcissistic behaviours (as noted by psychiatrists):
- Inflated self-admiration
- Excessive focus on self
- Bragging, attention-seeking
- Superiority, entitlement
- Degrading, attacking others
- Other behaviours:
- Sadism, manipulation, antisocial behaviour (lack of empathy/remorse)
14
Q
research shows that narcissists tend to…
A
- Use more first person pronouns (I, me, my mine, we)
- Interrupt others more frequently during conversation (ex. Trump interrupting more during debates than Clinton)
- Look in the mirror more frequently
- Make good first impressions
15
Q
Paulhus study: analyzing Republican speeches vs. Trump’s
A
- T: higher rates of first-person pronouns
- T: higher rates of narcissism (includes derogation -> putting down others; boasting)
- Correlation between amount of tweets, boasting, follower/following ratio on twitter, informality between number of states won (evidence for first impressions)
16
Q
narcissism and social media
A
- Narcissists more active on social media sites like Twitter/Facebook
- Post more about accomplishments; may post more selfies
- Receive more likes on their posts (evidence for first impressions)
17
Q
narcissism and social behaviour
A
- Narcissists more likely to divide people to gain power over them
- Make threats and lies to influence people’s emotions
- Distort reality by arguing that fiction is fact, often leading listeners to experience a “twilight zone” sensation
18
Q
narcissm and love
A
- Idealize themselves
- Devalue partners
- Self-centered
19
Q
narcissism and work
A
do not live up to own expectations
20
Q
inferiority complex
A
- Developed by Alfred Adler (first major figure to split from Freud; founded Individual Psychology)
- Inferiority complex: lack of self-worth; implications for self-esteem
- Overcompensate through “striving for superiority” -> making others unhappy (the foundation for narcissism )
21
Q
the narcissistic paradox
A
- Although the narcissist appears high in self-esteem, he or she had doubts about his/her worth as a person
- Therefore, narcissism is a complex defense mechanism
- But recent research has suggested that this is only true for covert narcissists (sensitivity to criticism, low self-confidence, socially withdrawn; grandiosity); overt narcissists (exaggerated sense of self-importance, grandiosity, desire for attention) appear to have genuine feelings of superiority
22
Q
egocentrism
A
- inability to differentiate between self and other, or to assume anyone else’s perspective
- Normal in childhood, decreases sharply at age 15-16
- In adulthood, not the same as narcissism (Attention-seeking occurs in both cases, but narcissists may still consider the feelings of others and care about what others think)
- “egomania/egomaniac”
23
Q
Messiah complex
A
- Aka Christ complex or saviour complex
- A state of mind in which an individual holds a genuine belief that he or she is, or is destined to become, a saviour
- Ex. Hitler had messiah complex; Trump does not
24
Q
Updated views on child development
A
- No evidence for fixations or Oedipal complexes; latency stage is unlikely; development is believed do continue beyond puberty
- But childhood and parent relations do influence adult personality
25
Q
Karen Horney
A
- German psychoanalyst
- Highlighted the influence of culture and gender on personality
- Revised theory of penis envy: penis as a symbol of social power rather than an organ that women actually desire to have
26
Q
Erik Erikson
A
- Student of Freud
- Focused on ego development across life
- Focused on control/mastery over one’s environment throughout life
- Identified common and necessary tensions inherent to each stage of development (psychoSOCIAL conflicts)
- Goal is to struggle with each tension and grow; failure to come to resolution -> identity crisis
27
Q
Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial development
A
- Infancy
- Toddlerhood
- Young Childhood
- Elementary School
- Adolescence
- Young Adulthood
- Adulthood
- Old Age
- Very Old Age
- Must resolve previous conflicts; positive outcome -> wisdom
- Unresolved conflicts prevent you from reaching integrity at the end (but you’re not stuck at the respective stage forever)
- stage model of development
28
Q
Infancy
A
- ages 0-2
- Trust vs. Mistrust
- if infants receive care they need, they learn to trust caregivers, and can extend this trust to other relationships; if not, remain mistrustful of others
29
Q
Toddlerhood
A
- ages 2-3
- Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
- children begin to explore world; parents who punish children for their autonomy cause children to feel ashamed and doubt their abilities later on
30
Q
Young Childhood
A
- ages 3-4
- Initiative (Purpose) vs. Guilt
- through play, children learn how to work together, follow leaders, etc. and take initiative to pursue goals; if unsuccessful, feel guilty
- Possible negative outcomes: constricted or antisocial/narcissistic
- Trump may have unresolved conflict here -> narcissism
31
Q
Elementary School
A
- ages 4-12
- Industry vs. Inferiority
- children develop industry (feelings of competence through hard work); but too many failures may lead to feelings of inferiority
32
Q
Adolescence
A
- ages 13-19
- Identity vs. Role Confusion
- forming sense of identity; but may have role confusion (no idea who you are), leading to unstable jobs and relationships
33
Q
Young Adulthood
A
- ages 20-39
- Intimacy vs. Isolation
- Establishing intimate relationships; if unsuccessful, feel isolated
34
Q
Adulthood
A
- ages 40-64
- Generativity vs. Stagnation
- Feeling like you’ve generated something you care about in life (ie. career) vs. not caring about what you’ve done
- Trump likely has no sense of stagnation -> presidency makes him feel like he’s giving back
35
Q
Old Age
A
- ages 65+
- Integrity vs. Despair
- feeling satisfied with the life you lived (integrity) vs. feeling like you didn’t accomplish what you wanted to or have regrets (despair) -> bitterness and contempt
36
Q
Very Old Age
A
- 80s-90s
- Despair of 8th stage is magnified by deteriorating health; person confronts all previous tensions/conflicts again at once; greater likelihood of negative outcomes
37
Q
object relations theory
A
- Examines the process of developing one’s psyche in relation to others in the environment
- Internalized representations of parents (unconscious) become basis for relating to others in life
- First social attachments that infant develops form prototypes for all future meaningful relationships
38
Q
object relations theory: insights on narcissism
A
- Melanie Klein suggested we internalize the dilemma of whether our caregiver is good or bad, which peaks at 6 months of age
- Inability to solve this tension in ourselves (ie. Conclude that we are both good and bad – we’re not perfect) results in narcissism -> founded on a low self-worth
39
Q
Childhood Attachment Theory
A
- Bowlby: infants must develop a relationship with at least one primary caregiver for successful development
- Main factors in parenting are sensitivity and responsiveness
- 4 different attachment styles:
- Secure: well-adjusted, trusting; caregivers responsive
- Anxious-ambivalent: anxious, clingy: caregivers inconsistent
- Avoidant: uninterested, emotionally distant; caregivers neglectful (related to narcissism in adulthood), perhaps Trump had this style
- Disorganized: erratic; caregivers depressed, traumatized, or abusive
40
Q
Adult Attachment
A
- Hazan and Shaver identified similar attachment styles in adult relationships
- Secure Style: comfortable with intimacy; autonomous & dependent
- Preoccupied Style: craves intimacy because they’re worried over partner’s feelings/potential abandonment
- Dismissive-Avoidant: minimizes closeness; views intimacy as loss of independence
- Fearful-Avoidant Style: wants relationship, but avoids closeness due to difficulty trusting others
- Disorganized Style: antisocial, lack of empathy, selfish, controlling
41
Q
Relationship between child and adult attachment
A
- History of anxiety and avoidance in childhood attachments shape adult attachment styles
- Later experiences can lead to changes in adult attachment style
- moderate degree of stability between child and adult attachment
42
Q
Adult attachment and narcissism
A
- Avoidant attachment associated with overt narcissism; anxious attachment associated with covert narcissism
- Trump may have avoidant attachment (avoids wife, not present in kid’s childhoods)
43
Q
Current views on the Unconscious
A
- There is an unconscious part of the mind, but does it have urges and desires as suggested by Freud
- Motivated view (psychoanalysis): urges and undesirable thoughts/feelings are buried in the unconscious; they in turn affect our conscious thoughts and feelings (not commonly accepted)
- Cognitive view: information perceived may be into the unconscious and influence us, but it’s not “buried” there (more commonly accepted)
- both motivated (Freudian) and cognitive views may be too extreme
44
Q
repressed memories
A
- Commonality uncertain; estimates range between 18-59%
- Overwhelming majority of clinical psychologists believe their clients
- Are they accurate?
- Elizabeth Loftus: extreme positions should be avoided – some are likely accurate, but both authentic and false memories occur
- There are cases that have been corroborated and confirmed, but there are also cases that were later retracted
45
Q
False Memories
A
- Elizabeth Loftus: we must be aware of processes that contribute to the construction of false memories (ie. Popular press, behaviour of some therapists)
- Ex. Case of Holly Ramona and false memories of sexual abuse
- Most modern cognitive psychologists believe that false memories can occur
- can be due to hypnosis, dream interpretation, suggestive interviewing, interpreting symptoms as signs of past trauma, pressure from authority figure to recall past trauma, etc.
- Evidence that hypnosis does not improve memory – may increase memory distortions
- May be due to confirmatory bias: look for evidence that confirms belief (ie. that of childhood trauma)
46
Q
Subliminal priming
A
- the notion that concepts may be perceived and influence us, without our even knowing it
- But there is no clear evidence that subliminal priming has a strong effect on behaviour; seems to depend on pre-existing potential or plan (ie. Subliminal priming to buy Coke only works for people who are already thirsty and want a soft drink)
47
Q
Conclusions on subliminal perception/priming by various types of psychologists
A
- Conclusions by cognitive psychologists: unconscious mind is not very powerful, but the focus is on stimuli of which one is unaware
- Conclusion by social psychologists: unconscious is powerful influence over higher mental processes
- Conclusion by neuroscientists: there are lots of unconscious processes
48
Q
Contemporary psychoanalysis
A
- Desire to maintain Freudian ideas and theory that work
- Unconscious influences
- Behaviour reflects conflicts between desires and societal norms
- Focus on parent-child relationships, adult conflicts with others
- Freud underscored the value of talking about our emotional pains, which is still relevant today
49
Q
is contemporary psychoanalysis effective?
A
- Large effect sizes for short-term and long-term symptom improvement from somatic symptoms to depression, anxiety, and psychopathology (Shedler, 2010, APA).
- Average effect size of .75, compared to .62 for CBT and behaviour modification therapies (Wilson, 1993)
50
Q
5 postulates of contemporary psychoanalysis
A
- unconscious plays large role in life
- behaviour reflects conflicts among mental processes
- childhood plays important role in personality development and adult relationship styles
- mental representations of the self guide relationships with others
- personality development involves moving from immature, dependent relationships to mature, independent relationships
51
Q
imagination inflation effect
A
- having someone imagine something, which then makes it more likely for them to later confuse the imaginary event with something that really happened
- ex. asking someone to imagine shaking hands with Mickey Mouse as a child later makes it more likely for them to “remember” that they did it
52
Q
id vs. ego psychology
A
- id pysch: Freudian psych, focused on id
- ego psych: Erikson’s approach to pysch, focused on ego
53
Q
identity foreclosure
A
- when you form your identity by accepting someone’s else’s expectations without exploring alternatives (ie. being who your parents want you to be)
- these people cannot justify their beliefs/opinions
54
Q
moratorium
A
- taking time to explore options before committing to an identity
- ex. during college -> taking different classes, joining clubs, switching majors
55
Q
Research: Erikson’s stages and holocaust survivors
A
- Dr. Suedfield, UBC
- Looked at how holocaust affected survivor’s progression through 8 stages
- Most stages had more positive than negative outcomes, except for trust and mistrust (more distrustful, likely due to huge betrayal Jewish people experienced from friends, government, etc.)
56
Q
fear of success
A
- term coined by Karen Horney
- highlights gender differences in response to competition and achievement
- women feel like if they succeed, they will lose friends (unconscious fear of success)
- men feel like if they succeed, they will gain friends -> not afraid of success
57
Q
Karen Horney: work on gender
A
explained that although biology determines sex, culture determines what is acceptably masculine and feminine -> those culturally ascribed roles are known as gender differences
58
Q
self-serving bias
A
tendency to take credit for our successes and deny responsibility for our failures
59
Q
Harry Harlow attachment research
A
- monkeys raised with either real moms or fake wire/cloth moms
- wire/cloth babies had problems in adulthood -> were insecure, anxious, and had abnormal sexual relations
60
Q
separation anxiety
A
- when infants react negatively to separation and become agitated and distressed when mother leaves them
- not all infants react this way all the time - others remain happy, and some get depressed
61
Q
working models
A
- early experiences and reactions of the infant and the parents are internalized in the form of unconscious expectations and relationships
- if parents are caring/attentive, baby expects others to be that way too
62
Q
study: adult attachment styles in dating couples
A
- brought couples in lab, told males they would undergo stressful procedure then left them alone with female partner
- looked at how much support males sought out and how much support women offered
- male attachment style didn’t predict anything, but women with avoidant attachment much less likely to offer support than women with secure attachment, even when the male asked for it
