Psychodynamic Approach Flashcards
Psychodynamic approach
The different unconscious forces that operate on the mind control human behaviour
The unconscious
The part of the mind that we are unaware of but directs a lot of our behaviour
Id
Unconscious. Made up of selfish aggressive instincts that demand immediate gratification
Ego
Balances the conflicting demands of the Id and the superego
Superego
The moralistic part of our personality representing the ideal self
Defence mechanisms
Unconscious strategies the ego uses to manage the conflict between the Id and the superego
Psychosexual stages
Five developmental stages that all children pass through
What did Freud focus on?
The unconscious mind
What does the preconscious mind contain?
Thoughts and memories which are not in conscious awareness but we can access
What are the psychosexual stages?
Oral, anal, phallic, latency and genital
Defence mechanisms
Unconscious, allows the ego to prevent us becoming overwhelmed by temporary threats and trauma
What are the disadvantages of defence mechanisms?
They often distort reality and are psychologically unhealthy as long term solutions
What are the strengths of the psychodynamic approach?
It introduced the idea of psychotherapy and psychoanalysis, creating a new, non-physical, treatment to mental disorders
It can explain human behaviour and has had a positive impact on psychology
What are the disadvantages of the psychodynamic approach?
Psychoanalysis can be harmful for people with more serious mental disorders such as schizophrenia
This approach is not falsifiable and does not follow empirical methods, because many of Freuds concepts occur unconsciously, he only used biased study’s with one participant
When is the oral stage?
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