Lecture 2 - Freud and Adler

Question 1

Psychoanalysis

Answer 1

A theory of personality and a therapeutic approach developed by Sigmund Freud that emphasizes the role of unconscious processes, early childhood experiences, and defense mechanisms in shaping personality and behaviour

Question 2

Levels of Consciousness

Answer 2

Freud’s concept of the mind as composed of three levels: the conscious (what we are currently aware of), the preconscious (memories and thoughts that can be easily brought to consciousness), and the unconscious (thoughts, feelings, and desires that are repressed and inaccessible to conscious awareness).

Question 3

Topographical Model

Answer 3

Freud’s model of the mind that describes the three levels of consciousness: conscious, preconscious, and unconscious.

Question 4

Structural Model

Answer 4

Freud’s model of personality that describes the three interacting components of the mind: the id, ego, and superego.

Question 5

Pleasure Principle

Answer 5

The driving force of the id, seeking immediate gratification of basic needs and impulses.

Question 6

Reality Principle

Answer 6

The principle guiding the ego, which seeks to satisfy the id’s impulses in a realistic and socially acceptable way.

Question 7

Ego Ideal

Answer 7

The part of the superego representing the internalized standards of morality and perfection.

Question 8

Conscience

Answer 8

The part of the superego that judges our actions and thoughts, leading to feelings of guilt or pride.

Question 9

Libido

Answer 9

In Freudian theory, the psychic energy associated with sexual and life instincts. Freud believed that libido is invested in different erogenous zones during the psychosexual stages of development.

Question 10

Erogenous Zones

Answer 10

Areas of the body that are particularly sensitive to pleasure and stimulation, central to Freud’s theory of psychosexual development.

Question 11

Fixation

Answer 11

In Freudian theory, the persistence of unresolved conflicts from a particular psychosexual stage, leading to certain personality traits or behaviours in adulthood.

Question 12

Oedipus Complex

Answer 12

A concept in Freud’s theory, occurring during the phallic stage, in which a boy develops unconscious sexual desires for his mother and rivalry with his father.

Question 13

Castration Anxiety

Answer 13

In Freudian theory, the unconscious fear that boys experience during the Oedipus complex that their father will punish them for their desires for their mother.

Question 14

Penis Envy

Answer 14

A concept in Freudian theory, suggesting that girls experience envy of the male penis during the phallic stage, leading to feelings of inferiority.

Question 15

Latency Stage

Answer 15

The fourth stage of psychosexual development in Freud’s theory, lasting from about age 6 to puberty, during which sexual urges are repressed and children focus on developing social and intellectual skills.

Question 16

Infantile Amnesia

Answer 16

The inability of adults to recall events from early childhood, attributed by Freud to the repression of memories from the psychosexual stages.

Question 17

Genital Stage

Answer 17

The final stage of psychosexual development in Freud’s theory, beginning in puberty and continuing throughout adulthood, characterized by mature sexual interests and the development of healthy adult relationships.

Question 18

Defense Mechanisms

Answer 18

Unconscious psychological strategies employed by the ego to protect itself from anxiety and maintain a sense of psychological equilibrium. These mechanisms operate to distort reality or block threatening thoughts and feelings from entering consciousness.

Question 19

Individual Psychology

Answer 19

The school of thought founded by Alfred Adler, emphasizing the individual’s unique striving for superiority, the importance of social interest, and the influence of early childhood experiences on personality development.

Question 20

Inferiority Complex

Answer 20

A concept in Adlerian psychology, referring to feelings of inadequacy and insecurity that can motivate individuals to strive for superiority.

Question 21

Superiority Complex

Answer 21

A neurotic pattern of behavior in Adlerian psychology, characterized by an exaggerated sense of self-importance and a need to dominate others, often masking underlying feelings of inferiority.

Question 22

Compensation

Answer 22

Adler’s concept of striving to overcome perceived weaknesses or limitations by developing strengths in other areas.

Question 23

Social Interest

Answer 23

A key concept in Adlerian psychology, referring to an individual’s innate drive to connect with others, cooperate, and contribute to the well-being of society. Adler considered social interest to be a sign of psychological health and maturity.

Question 24

Style of Life

Answer 24

A core concept in Adlerian psychology, representing the unique patterns of behaviour and goals an individual develops to cope with life’s challenges and achieve a sense of significance.

Question 25

Birth Order

Answer 25

Adler’s theory emphasizes the influence of birth order on personality development, suggesting that different positions within the family can shape an individual’s characteristics and coping styles.

Question 26

Pampering

Answer 26

A parenting style identified by Adler as overprotective and indulgent, potentially hindering a child’s development of independence and social responsibility.

Question 27

Neglect

Answer 27

A parenting style identified by Adler as lacking in attention and care for a child’s physical and emotional needs, potentially leading to feelings of isolation and distrust in adulthood.

Question 28

Ruling Type

Answer 28

One of Adler’s personality types, characterized by a striving for dominance and power over others, often at the expense of social interest.

Question 29

Getting Type

Answer 29

One of Adler’s personality types, characterized by dependence on others and a tendency to seek approval and support to compensate for feelings of inferiority.

Question 30

Avoiding Type

Answer 30

One of Adler’s personality types, characterized by withdrawal from social interaction and challenges to avoid potential failures and maintain a sense of safety.

Question 31

Socially Useful Type

Answer 31

The healthiest personality type in Adler’s theory, characterized by a well-developed social interest, a sense of responsibility, and a cooperative approach to life.