Freud's psychodynamic explanation of aggression

Question 1

What is the unconscious and an example?

2

Answer 1

• Memories/thoughts that we can no longer access yet still can influence us
• Past traumas such as getting lost as a child

Question 2

What is the conscious?

2

Answer 2

• Part of memory/mind can be readily accessed

- Aspects of thinking that aware of (answer an exam question)

Question 3

What is catharsis and how is it achieved?

3

Answer 3

• Process of releasing pent up psychic energy
• Displacement (aggro redirected to less powerful sub)
• Observation of others aggro (violent film)

Question 4

What are features of the Id?

3

Answer 4

• Unconscious mind
• Urges and desires that are socially unacceptable
• Obeys ‘pleasure principle’, has no rational if denied it becomes frustrated

Question 5

What are features of the Ego?

5

Answer 5

• Conscious mind
• Developed within toddlers
• Follows reality principle as it has logic
• Tries to satisfy the Id indirectly (fantasy of violence)
• Understands punishment yet has no guilt

Question 6

What are features of the Superego?

4

Answer 6

• Acts as a voice of reason
• Says when things are morally acceptable or not
• Based on ‘morality principle’
• Opposes Id’s aggro drive through guilt and shame when we fail to meet highest moral standards

Question 7

What happens if you prevent catharsis?

1

Answer 7

• Build-up of energy = destructive aggro outburst (outwards or inwards - suicide)

Question 8

Evaluate Freud’s psychodynamic theory

3

Answer 8

Hot blooded aggro = impulsive, angry, no purpose other than its own satisfaction (Id) - failure of egos normal function. Cold b aggro is deliberate, ‘rational’. Outcome of the ego’s success control of Id impulse.

Bushman made actor criticise students essay, vent their anger by hitting a punch bag while thinking about actor. Ppt blasted actor w loud noises in a subsequent task. He said ‘venting to >anger is like using gasoline to put out a fire’

Catharsis could feature in therapy. Freud says catharsis can be achieved by bringing unconscious memories to conscious mind. >Aggro w potential benefits for wider society

Question 9

What is Eros and Thanatos?

2

Answer 9

• Eros = life instinct

- Thanatos = death instinct