Psychodynamic Approach Flashcards
What is psychodynamic theory?
The idea that events in our childhood have a great influence on our adult lives, shaping our personality
What does the psychodynamic approach argue can happen with events that occur during childhood?
They can remain in the unconscious and cause problems as adults (mostly things we can’t cope with)
Explain the iceberg theory of the role of the unconscious?
Conscious - how we present ourselves (visible part of iceberg)
Pre-conscious - things we can think about if we choose to. According to Freud, these thoughts mainly come out in dreams
Unconscious - thoughts that aren’t easy to recall, you are unaware of but still influence your conscious behaviour (mostly trauma and dark thoughts)
What is psychoanalysis also known as?
The talking cure
What did psychoanalysis argue?
The only way to uncover your unconscious and deal with trauma was through talking
What are features of Freud’s psychoanalysis?
. Talking about childhood
. Wouldn’t interrupt
. Wouldn’t ask many questions, would let the patient speak
What has psychoanalysis been proven to work on?
Treating many disorders, especially eating disorders
What part of the mind is the id involved in?
Unconscious
When is the id present?
From birth, our primitive urges
What is the id motivated by?
The pleasure principle
What does the id focus on?
Self
What chemical does the id contain and what it is?
The libido - biological energy created by reproductive instincts
What is the ego sometimes referred to as?
Your ‘self’ (conscious mind)
What parts of the mind does your ego come into?
Conscious and sometimes Preconscious
When does ego develop?
By the age of 2
What kind of self is the ego referring to?
Your real, rational self
What is the ego motivated by?
The reality principle - tries to balance out the impulses of the id and moralistic demands of the superego
What is the ego and what is its functions?
More organised part of your personality, helping make sense of the world. Functions:
. Perception
. Cognition
. Judgement
. Tolerance
. Memory
When does your superego develop?
Around 4-5 when children identify with same-sex parent (identification) and learn moral values from parents, helping develop your ‘self’ further
What part of the mind is included in the superego?
Mostly your unconscious
What is your superego motivated by?
Morality principle - learning right and wrong
What is your superego?
Unconscious that acts as your conscience or moral guide, based on parental and societal values
What does your superego do?
Controls impulses of id, especially those to do with sex and aggression
What is your superego divided into?
Conscience and ego-ideal
What is your conscience?
Internalisation of societal rules. Determines which behaviours are permissible and causes feeling of guilt when ruled are broken