Psychoanalytic Theory Flashcards
What is the focus of psychoanalytic theory?
The influence of the unconscious, early childhood, and instinctual drives on behavior.
What does it mean that psychoanalytic theory is deterministic?
- Reality anxiety – Fear of real-world dangers.
- Neurotic anxiety – Fear that unconscious desires will surface and lead to punishment.
- Moral anxiety – Guilt from violating internalized moral standards.
Define archetypes in the context of Carl Jung’s theory.
It assumes behavior is largely shaped by forces outside conscious awareness.
What are the three structures of personality according to Freud?
Id (instincts), Ego (mediator), Superego (morality).
What is the function of the Id?
Operates on the pleasure principle and seeks immediate gratification.
What is the role of the Ego?
Operates on the reality principle, mediating between id and reality.
What is the Superego?
Internalized moral standards and the conscience.
What are Freud’s three levels of consciousness?
Conscious, Preconscious, and Unconscious.
What is the conscious mind?
Thoughts and perceptions currently in awareness.
What is the preconscious mind?
Memories and knowledge easily brought to awareness.
What is the unconscious mind?
Repressed memories, desires, and unresolved conflicts.
What are Freud’s five psychosexual stages?
Oral, Anal, Phallic, Latency, Genital.
What is the focus of the oral stage (0–1 year)?
Mouth; issues of dependence and trust.
What is the focus of the anal stage (1–3 years)?
Bowel/bladder control; autonomy and discipline.
What is libido according to Freud?
Originally defined as sexual energy, later expanded to include all life instincts.
What is the focus of the phallic stage (3–6 years)?
Genitals; Oedipus/Electra complex.
What is the focus of the latency stage (6–12 years)?
Socialization; repressed sexual energy.
What is the focus of the genital stage (12+)?
Mature sexual intimacy and contribution to society.
What is repression?
Excluding painful thoughts from awareness.
What is denial?
Refusing to acknowledge an unpleasant reality.
What is projection?
Attributing one’s own feelings to others.
What is displacement?
Redirecting emotions to a safer target.
What is rationalization?
Creating logical reasons to justify actions.
What is reaction formation?
Acting in the opposite way of one’s feelings.
What is regression?
Reverting to childlike behavior.
What is introjection?
Adopting others’ values or standards.
What is identification?
Boosting self-esteem by aligning with others.
What is sublimation?
Channeling impulses into acceptable outlets.
What is free association?
Client says whatever comes to mind to uncover the unconscious.
What is dream analysis?
Interpreting manifest and latent dream content.
What is interpretation in psychoanalysis?
Therapist explains the unconscious meaning of thoughts and behavior.
What is transference?
Client projects feelings for others onto the therapist.
What is countertransference?
Therapist’s emotional reaction to the client.
What is resistance?
Unconscious defense against threatening material.
What is working through?
Repetition and analysis of interpretations to produce change.
What is the blank-screen approach?
Therapist remains neutral to facilitate transference.
What psychosocial crisis happens in years 0-1 of Ericksons development model?
Trust vs. Mistrust
What psychosocial crisis happens in years (1-3) of Ericksons development model?
Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
What psychosocial crisis happens in years 3-6 of Ericksons development model?
Initiative vs. Guilt (3-6 years)
What psychosocial crisis happens in years 6-12 of Ericksons development model?
Industry vs. Inferiority (6-12 years)
What psychosocial crisis happens in years 12-18 of Ericksons development model?
Identity vs. Role Confusion (12-18 years)
What psychosocial crisis happens in years 18-35 of Ericksons development model?
Intimacy vs. Isolation (18-35 years)
What psychosocial crisis happens in years 35-60 of Ericksons development model?
Generativity vs. Stagnation (35-60 years)
What psychosocial crisis happens in years 60+ of Ericksons development model?
Integrity vs. Despair (60+ years)
What are archetypes?
Universal patterns or symbols in the unconscious.
What is the persona (Jung)?
The mask we present to the world.
What is individuation (Jung)?
Integration of all parts of the psyche to form a whole self.
What did Erikson add to Freud’s theory?
Social and relational aspects of development across the lifespan.
What is ego psychology?
Focuses on the ego’s role in defense, adaptation, and reality testing.
What is object-relations theory?
Emphasizes early relationships in shaping the self.
What is relational psychoanalysis?
Focuses on mutual influence in the therapist-client relationship.
What are strengths of psychoanalytic theory?
Insight into unconscious processes and early development; foundation for other therapies.
What are limitations of psychoanalytic theory?
Time-consuming, expensive, and difficult to empirically validate.
