Lesson 9: Psychodynamic Approach (the Unconscious And Personality)

Question 1

Key assumptions of psychodynamic approach

Answer 1

• The driving force behind our behaviour is the unconscious mind.
• Instincts and drives motivate our behaviour
• Early childhood is pivotal in making us the person we are

Question 2

The role of the unconscious

Answer 2

• Freud believed that there are three levels to the mind. The conscious mind contains the thoughts, feelings and memories that a person is currently aware of. The preconscious mind contains the thoughts, feelings and memories that a person could access if they wanted to. However Freud argued that the largest part of the mind was inaccessible. He referred to this as the unconscious mind.
• Freud believed that most of our everyday actions and behaviours are not controlled consciously but are the product of the unconscious mind, which reveals itself in slips of the tongue (Freudian slips(, in creativity and in neurotic symptoms. The mind active,t prevents traumatic thoughts, feelings and memories in the mind reaching the conscious mind because they would cause the person anxiety if they did. During psychoanalysis, the therapist tries to access the unconscious mind of their patients using free association and dream interpretation.

Question 3

The structure of personality

Answer 3

• Personality has a tripartite structure, the Id, the Ego and the Superego. Experience and conflicts in childhood shape the development of the three parts of personality, affecting how a person behaves.

Question 4

The Id

Answer 4

• The id is formed between birth and 18 months of age. It is in the unconscious mind. The id focuses on the self (selfish), and is irrational and emotional. It deals with feelings and needs, and seeks pleasure. It operates on the pleasure principle.

Question 5

The Ego

Answer 5

• The ego is formed from around 18 months until 3 years of age. It is in the conscious mind. It is rational and obtains a balance between the id and the superego. It operates on the reality principle.

Question 6

The Superego

Answer 6

• The superego is formed between 3 and 6 years of age. It is in the unconscious mind. The superego acts as a conscience or moral guide based on parental and societal values. It operates on the morality principle.