Psychodynamic approach Flashcards
What is the psychodynamic approach
A perspective that describes the different forces , most of which are unconscious that operate on the mind and direct human behaviour and experience.
The role of the unconscious ?
-It is the part of the mind where we are unaware of but directs much of out behaviour.
-Storehouse of biological drives and instincts that has a significant influence on our behaviour and personality
What does the unconscious contain ?
Threatening and disturbing memories that have been repressed.
What is the preconscious ?
Includes thoughts and ideas which we me become aware of through slips of tongue or in dreams
What is the tripartide ?
It is the structure of personality including ; ID , Ego and Superego.
What is the ID ?
-It operates on the pleasure principle .
-It gets what it wants - mass of unconscious drives and instincts.
- It is present at birth and throughout life it is selfish and demands instant gratification.
What is the ego ?
-Operates on the reality principle
-It is a mediator between the ID and Superego
-Role is to reduce conflict between ID and superego.
-Uses defence mechanisms
What is superego ?
Forms at the end of the phallic stage, at age 5
Based on morality principle - internalised sense of right and wrong.
Represents moral standards of the child’s same sex parent and punishes the ego of wrong doing (by guilt)
What are the defence mechanisms ?
The unconcious strategies that the ego uses to manage conflict between the ID and the superego
What are the three defence mechanisms ?
-Repression ; forcing a distressing memory out of the conscious mind.
-Denial; Refusing to acknowledge some aspect of reality
-Displacement ; Transferring feelings from true source of distressing emotion onto a substitute target.
What are the psychosexual stages ?
5 Development stages that all children pass through.
Each stage is marked by a different conflict that the child must resolve in order to progress successfully to the next stage.
What happens if a psychosexual conflict is unresolved ?
It leads to fixation where the child becomes ‘stuck’ and carries certain behaviours and conflicts associated with that stage through to adult life.
First stage
Oral stage
- 0-1 yrs
-Focus of pleasure is the mouth ; mothers breast - object of desire
If unresolved - Oral fixation - smoking,bitingnails
Second stage
Anal stage
-1-3 yrs
-Focus of pleasure is anus ; gains pleasure by holding and expelling faeces
-If unresolved - Anal retentive ; obsessive, perfectionist - Anal expulsive ; thoughtless and messy
Third stage
Phallic stage
-3-5 yrs
-Focus of pleasure is genital area
Oedipus and electra complex
If unresolved - Phallic personality - narcissistic and reckless.
