Freud

Question 1

List and describe the basic assumptions of the
psychodynamic theory.

Answer 1

The unconscious mind

Psychic determinism

Conflict and defense mechanisms

Psychosexual development stages

Dynamic nature of personality

Question 2

Identify and sketch Freud’s regions of the mind, with associated labels and boundaries (Iceberg).

Answer 2

Conscious:
Present thoughts and awareness. Top of the iceberg above water.

Preconscious:
Accessible memories and thoughts. Just below the waterline.

Unconscious:
Hidden desires and memories. Deep underwater.

Question 3

Define id (Definition, function, example).

Answer 3

Definition: The primitive and instinctual part of the mind that contains sexual and aggressive drives and hidden memories.

Function: Operates on the pleasure principle, seeking immediate gratification.

Example: Hunger, libido.

Question 4

Define ego (Definition, function, example).

Answer 4

Definition: The realistic part that mediates between the desires of the id and the super-ego.

Function: Operates on the reality principle, balancing the id’s desires with the constraints of reality.

Example: Decision-making, problem-solving.

Question 5

Define superego (Definition, function, example).

Answer 5

Definition: The moral conscience, incorporating the values and norms of society.

Function: Strives for perfection, judging actions and thoughts, and leading to feelings of pride or guilt.

Example: Sense of right and wrong, guilt.

Question 6

What are Freud’s three expressions of anxiety?

Answer 6

Reality anxiety

Moral anxiety

Neurotic anxiety

Question 7

What is reality anxiety (Definition, source, example, mechanism)

Answer 7

Definition: Fear of real-world events and dangers.

Source: External threats or dangers.

Example: Fear of being bitten by a dog.

Mechanism: Governed by the ego, which deals with external reality.

Question 8

What is neurotic anxiety (Definition, source, example, mechanism)

Answer 8

Definition: Fear that id impulses will get out of control and lead to punishment.

Source: Internal conflict between the id and ego.

Example: Anxiety without a clear, external cause, like generalized anxiety disorder.

Mechanism: Governed by the id, reflecting unconscious fears.

Question 9

What is moral anxiety (Definition, source, example, mechanism)

Answer 9

Definition: Fear of violating internal moral standards.

Source: Conflict between the ego and the superego.

Example: Feeling guilty about cheating on a test.

Mechanism: Governed by the superego, involving feelings of guilt or shame.

Question 10

Recognize at least 5 defense mechanisms and provide explanations.

Answer 10

Repression
Definition: Unconsciously blocking unacceptable thoughts or desires.

Denial
Definition: Refusing to acknowledge reality or facts.

Definition: Attributing one’s own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to others.

Definition: Redirecting emotions from a threatening target to a safer one.

Definition: Creating logical excuses for behavior that is actually irrational or unacceptable.

Question 11

Critique Freud’s work

Answer 11

Lack of scientific rigor, unfalsifiability, limited generalizability, overemphasis on sexuality, neglects cultural factors

Question 12

What is objectively wrong about Freud’s ego
defence mechanism?

Answer 12

lack of empirical support.

Question 13

Why do have a death instinct according to Freud?

Answer 13

Freud believed that the death instinct (Thanatos) represents an innate psychological force compelling individuals towards aggression, self-destructive tendencies, and ultimately, the cessation of life.

Question 14

Why do we have a life instinct according to Freud?

Answer 14

Freud believed that the life instinct (Eros) drives behaviors focused on survival, reproduction, and pleasure.

Question 15

Why do we label Freudian theories
Psychodynamic?

Answer 15

Freudian theories are labeled psychodynamic because they focus on the dynamic interplay of psychological forces within the mind, particularly unconscious processes that influence behavior.

Question 16

Which of the methods of measuring personality do
you think is derived from psychodynamic
theories?

Answer 16

Projective techniques

Question 17

List the first psychosexual stage’s name, age, focus, and task.

Answer 17

Oral Stage

Age: Birth to 18 months

Focus: Pleasure derived from oral activities such as sucking, biting, and tasting.

Key Developmental Task: Gratifying oral needs in a healthy manner to develop trust and security.

Question 18

List the second psychosexual stage’s name, age, focus, and task.

Answer 18

Anal Stage:

Age: 18 months to 3 years

Focus: Pleasure derived from bowel and bladder elimination; coping with demands for control.

Key Developmental Task: Learning to control bowel and bladder movements and developing a sense of independence and autonomy.

Question 19

List the third psychosexual stage’s name, age, focus, and task.

Answer 19

Phallic Stage:

Age: 3 to 6 years

Focus: Pleasure derived from genital stimulation; coping with incestuous feelings and conflicts.

Key Developmental Task: Resolving the Oedipus or Electra complex, identifying with same-sex parent, and internalizing gender roles.

Question 20

List the fourth psychosexual stage’s name, age, focus, and task.

Answer 20

Latency Stage:

Age: 6 years to puberty

Focus: Sexual energy sublimated into other activities such as school, sports, and hobbies.

Key Developmental Task: Developing social and cognitive skills, forming peer relationships, and consolidating gender identity.

Question 21

List the fifth psychosexual stage’s name, age, focus, and task.

Answer 21

Genital Stage:

Age: Puberty onwards

Focus: Resurgence of sexual impulses and interest in romantic relationships.

Key Developmental Task: Establishing intimate relationships, forming a mature sexual identity, and contributing to society’s well-being.

Question 22

Describe psychoanalysis, it’s basic methods, dynamics, and
effectiveness

Answer 22

Psychoanalysis is a therapeutic approach developed by Sigmund Freud aimed at exploring unconscious conflicts and bringing them into conscious awareness to alleviate psychological distress. The basic methods of psychoanalysis involve free association, dream analysis, and analysis of resistance and transference.

Question 23

What does it mean that “Freud is considered as a psychologist of the id”

Answer 23

He placed significant emphasis on the role of the instincts and psychosexual stages in shaping human behavior and personality