P2 Approaches 6. Psychodynamic Approach

Question 1

What does the psychodynamic theory emphasise?

Answer 1

Behaviour is caused by unconscious drives developed through childhood.

Question 2

How does Freud describe the structure of the tripartite model of personality?

Answer 2

Id = operates upon the pleasure principle, present from birth
Ego = operates upon the reality principle, develops at 2-3 year olds
Superego = morality principle, 3-6 year olds

Question 3

What are the different psycosexual stages?

Answer 3

Oral = 0-2 - Id is present
Anal = 2-3 - Ego forms
Phallic = 3-6 - Superego forms
Latent = 6 - puberty - when libido is channelled through hobbies and friendships
Genital = puberty - death

Question 4

What are defence mechanisms?

Answer 4

They prevent traumatic memories from becoming conscious and causing anxiety.
There is a constant conflict between the Id and superego which causes anxiety for the ego which has to mediate between the two.

Question 5

What are the defence mechanisms?

Answer 5

Repression = bury traumatic memories / emotions into the unconscious
Displacement = channel socially unacceptable emotions + transfer onto an unrelated object / person
Denial = refusal to accept the truth

Question 6

What are the strengths of the psychodynamic approach?

Answer 6

1. Psychoanalysis was a pioneering approach to treatment of scientific support for this approach (Fisher and Greenburg summarised some 2,500 of these studies, and concluded these studies compare well with studies relevant to other areas in psychology.
2. There is empirical evidence supporting aspects of this approach (the use of these case studies provided new ways of gathering empirical evidence with observations rather than introspection.
3. it’s a comprehensive theory ( it can be used to explain human behaviour in other fields )

Question 7

What are limitations of psychodynamic approach?

Answer 7

1. It’s gender biassed ( Freuds views of woman are criticized for being less developed than males. )
2. It’s culture biassed ( Sue and Sue argue that many cultural groups do not value insight in the same way - Chinese avoid discussing feelings )