Freuds Flashcards
What is the primary focus of Freud’s theory of the mind?
The primary focus is the unconscious mind and its influence on behavior.
True or False: Freud believed that human behavior is driven solely by conscious thought.
False
Fill in the blank: Freud’s model of the mind includes the ______, the ______, and the ______.
id, ego, superego
What does the ‘id’ represent in Freud’s model?
The ‘id’ represents the primal, instinctual part of the mind that seeks immediate gratification.
What is the role of the ‘ego’ in Freud’s theory?
The ‘ego’ mediates between the desires of the ‘id’ and the moral constraints of the ‘superego.’
What function does the ‘superego’ serve?
The ‘superego’ serves as the moral conscience and incorporates societal standards.
Which of the following is NOT a component of Freud’s structural model of the mind? A) Id B) Ego C) Superego D) Self-actualization
D) Self-actualization
True or False: Freud proposed that dreams are a window into the unconscious mind.
True
What is the term Freud used for the process by which repressed memories are brought to consciousness?
Psychoanalysis
Fill in the blank: Freud believed that unresolved conflicts from childhood could lead to ______ in adulthood.
neurosis
What did Freud mean by ‘defense mechanisms’?
Defense mechanisms are psychological strategies used by the ego to protect against anxiety and guilt.
Which defense mechanism involves attributing one’s unacceptable thoughts to others?
Projection
True or False: Freud’s theories have been universally accepted in psychology.
False
What is the significance of the Oedipus complex in Freud’s theory?
It describes a child’s feelings of desire for the opposite-sex parent and jealousy toward the same-sex parent.
What term did Freud use to describe the process of redirecting sexual or aggressive impulses?
Sublimation
Which stage of Freud’s psychosexual development occurs during ages 3 to 6?
Phallic stage
What is the primary conflict in the anal stage of Freud’s psychosexual development?
Toilet training
Fill in the blank: Freud’s theories emphasize the importance of ______ in shaping personality.
early childhood experiences
What did Freud believe about the relationship between the unconscious mind and behavior?
He believed that unconscious thoughts and feelings significantly influence behavior.
True or False: Freud’s ideas were based on empirical research.
False
What is the primary method used in Freud’s psychoanalytic therapy?
Free association
What is the purpose of free association in therapy?
To allow patients to express thoughts freely to uncover repressed memories.
Which of the following concepts is NOT associated with Freud? A) Libido B) Collective unconscious C) Repression D) Transference
B) Collective unconscious
Fill in the blank: Freud’s theories were instrumental in developing the field of ______.
psychotherapy
What does the term ‘transference’ refer to in psychoanalysis?
Transference is the redirection of feelings from one person to another, often from patient to therapist.
True or False: Freud viewed anxiety as a normal part of human experience.
True
What did Freud identify as a primary source of neurosis?
Repressed childhood experiences
Fill in the blank: Freud’s theory suggests that mental illness can be treated through ______.
talk therapy
What is the relationship between the conscious and unconscious mind according to Freud?
The unconscious mind influences the conscious mind, often without awareness.
What did Freud believe about the role of sexual instincts in human behavior?
He believed sexual instincts are a fundamental driving force in human behavior.
Which of Freud’s works introduced the concept of the unconscious mind?
The Interpretation of Dreams
What is the main criticism of Freud’s theories?
Many argue that his theories lack scientific validity and empirical support.
Fill in the blank: Freud’s theory of psychosexual development includes ______ stages.
five
What is the outcome of successful resolution of the Oedipus complex, according to Freud?
Development of a mature sexual identity
True or False: Freud’s concepts have had a lasting impact on psychology and culture.
True
What is the significance of the latency stage in Freud’s theory?
It is a period of relative calm where sexual feelings are repressed and social skills are developed.
What does Freud mean by ‘repression’?
Repression is the unconscious blocking of unacceptable thoughts and memories.
Fill in the blank: Freud’s theory suggests that ______ can lead to psychological issues later in life.
unresolved conflicts
What is the role of the therapist in Freud’s psychoanalytic approach?
To help the patient uncover and work through unconscious conflicts.
True or False: Freud believed that all dreams have symbolic meanings.
True
What is the significance of the oral stage in Freud’s psychosexual development?
It emphasizes the importance of feeding and the mother-child relationship.
What is the term for Freud’s belief that childhood experiences shape adult personality?
Psychosexual development
Fill in the blank: Freud’s theories laid the groundwork for modern ______.
psychological theory
What does fried say about relgion being a wishfullfillmet
Freud argued that religious beliefs are not based on external, divine realities but are illusions—creations of the mind that arise from human wishes. Specifically, people create religion to satisfy their deep, unconscious desires.
Fear and Helplessness: Humans, particularly in early life, experience feelings of helplessness and vulnerability. As children, we rely on our parents, especially our fathers, to protect us. Freud suggested that as adults, we transfer this need for protection onto a larger figure—God, who is imagined as a powerful father figure capable of providing comfort and security.
God as a Father Figure: Just as a child turns to a parent for guidance, comfort, and protection, adults turn to religion, imagining God as a paternal protector. This fulfills an unconscious desire to feel safe in an unpredictable world, especially when faced with life’s greatest uncertainties, such as death or natural disasters.
Why do people go to relgion for the fear of death
The Afterlife as Comfort: Religious beliefs often promise an afterlife—a continuation of existence after death. Freud saw this as wishful thinking, designed by the mind to help people avoid the anxiety that comes with the knowledge that life is finite.
Denial of Mortality: The mind struggles with accepting that death is the end. In response, it creates comforting ideas about eternal life, reincarnation, or divine justice, offering people a sense of control and peace in the face of the unknown.
How is religion a collective neurosis
Guilt and Anxiety: Freud believed that human beings have deep, often unconscious conflicts, especially around desires for power, aggression, and sexuality. These desires are often repressed because they are socially unacceptable. Religion, with its moral codes and rituals, helps people deal with these inner conflicts by offering ways to manage guilt and anxiety (for example, through confession, prayer, or rituals of atonement).
Religious Rituals as Compulsive Behavior: Just as a neurotic person might develop obsessive behaviors to alleviate anxiety, religious people might engage in rituals (praying, attending church, etc.) to feel relief from their internal guilt or fear. In this sense, religion functions like a collective neurosis, offering a structured way for people to handle their inner emotional turmoil.
What is the role of the superego in relgion
Moral Authority of Religion: Religion often aligns with the superego by promoting rules and moral codes. For many, religious teachings help form their sense of right and wrong, and the idea of a divine authority enforcing these rules can be a powerful motivator. In Freud’s view, religious laws (such as the Ten Commandments) serve to strengthen the superego, making people feel guilty when they fail to meet moral expectations.
Internal Conflict: Freud believed that the superego can sometimes be too strict, leading to internal tension. Religion provides a way for people to resolve this tension—offering forgiveness, redemption, or ways to atone for their “sins.” This helps ease the psychological pressure created by the harsh demands of the superego.