Psychodynamic Approach Flashcards
The conscious
Small amount of mental activity we know about (e.g. thoughts, perceptions)
The preconscious
Things we could be aware of if we wanted or tried (e.g. memories, stored knowledge)
The subconscious
Things we are unaware of & can not become aware of (e.g. instincts, deeply buried memories)
Id
Pleasure principle: Primitive, instinctive
Completely unconscious- exists from birth
Ego
Reality principle: Rational, practical
Satisfies Id and superego
Conscious and unconscious- develops between 1-3 years
Superego
Morality principle
Conscience given to you by parents, rules, society etc.
Internalised sense of right and wrong
Punishes ego for wrong doing through guilt
Conscious and unconscious- develops between 3-5 years
Defence mechanisms
Repression- forcing a distressing memory out of the conscious mind
Denial- forcing to acknowledge some aspect of reality
Displacement- transferring feelings from the true source of distressing emotion onto a substitute target
Psychosexual stages
Oral, Anal, Phallic, Latency & Genital
Psychosexual stage- Oral
0-1 years
Fixation- mouth
Success- weaning/eating independently
Consequence- sarcastic, critical, overeat & drink, may smoke & sensitive to rejection
Psychosexual stage- Anal
1-3 years
Fixation- defecation
Success- potty training
Consequence:
Retentive- tidy, stubborn, order & in control, perfectionist, obsessive
Expulsive- thoughtless, messy
Psychosexual stage- Phallic
3-5 years
Fixation- genitals
Oedipus complex- castration anxiety
Electra complex- penis envy
Consequence- narcissistic, reckless, possibly homosexual
Psychosexual stage- Latent
6-puberty
Fixation- none
Earlier conflict repressed
Sexual urges- sports & other hobbies
Focus- same-sex relationships
Psychosexual stages- Genitals
Puberty-Adulthood
Fixation- genitals
Goal- healthy adult relationship
Consequence- difficulty forming heterosexual relationships
