Psychodynamic approach Flashcards
What are they key assumptions of the Psychodynamic approach
Most behaviour is caused by the unconscious mind. Contains threatening memories which are stored away and are accessed through dreams and ‘slip of tongues’. Bubbling underneath conscious is preconscious. Contains thoughts not in conscious awareness but can easily be accessed.
What is the ID
primitive part of personality which operates on the pleasure principle and demands immediate gratification. Entirely unconscious and present at birth.
What is the Superego
Formed at the end of the phallic stage, our internalised sense of right and wrong. Based on morality principle. Punishes ego though guilt
What is the Ego
Works on reality principle, mediator of ID and superego. Does this by employing defence mechanisms. In conscious and pre conscious
What are defence mechanisms
Unconscious strategies that the ego uses to manage conflict between the Id and superego
what is displacement
A defence mechanism in which the ego redirects the Id’s impulses towards something else.
what is repression
A defence mechanism in which the ego pushes the impulses of the id out of the conscious mind
what is denial
A defence mechanism in which the ego ignores the superego and refuses to believe it has given into the Id. This means there are no feelings of guilt
What is the first psychosexual stage and what happens in it
Oral stage occurring from age 0-1. Children derive pleasure from oral activities, including sucking and tasting.
What is the second psychosexual stage and what happens in it
Anal stage occurring from age 1-3. Focus of pleasure is in the anus. Child gains pleasure from withholding and expelling faeces.
What is the third psychosexual stage and what happens in it
Phallic stage occurring from age 3-6. Main focus of pleasure is the genital area. Boys develop the Oedipus complex where as Girl develop the Electra complex.
What are consequences of unresolved conflict
Oral fixation- Smoking, biting nails, sarcastic.
Anal retentive- perfectionist, obsessive
Anal expulsive- thoughtless, messy
Phallic personality- narcissistic, reckless
Genital- Difficulty forming heterosexual relationships
What is the fourth psychosexual stage and what happens in it
Latent occurs from 6-12. children spend more time and interact mostly with same sex peers. Id isn’t focused on any one part of the body
What is the fifth psychosexual stage and what happens in it
Genital stage occurs from 12 and lasts till adult life. Sexual desires become conscious alongside the onset of puberty.
