Psychodynamic Approach

Question 1

Briefly explain one strength and one limitation of the psychodynamic approach.

Answer 1

Psychotherapy can be used as a treatment for some individuals

socially sensitive, eg mental health issues may be blamed on parents

Question 2

Briefly describe one role of the unconscious according to the psychodynamic approach.

Answer 2

  the unconscious protects the conscious self from anxiety/trauma
defence mechanisms, eg repression, denial, displacement, are used unconsciously to reduce anxiety

Question 3

Jed angry kicks locker no football

Answer 3

displcement
The focus of a strong emotion is expressed on to a neutral object
Jed’s anger at the detention / missing the football match is transferred to the locker

Question 4

Briefly evaluate defence mechanisms as a way of explaining human behaviour and experience.

Answer 4

Lack of testability since defence mechanisms are unconscious processes they cannot be studied directly

Defence mechanisms can only be inferred from behaviour or from reported thoughts or experiences

Question 5

Describe the structure of the personality according to the psychodynamic approach.

Answer 5

personality is made up of 3 parts; the id, ego and superego

 the id: Focuses on self , irrational and emotional and deals with feelings  - it's formed from birth-18mo, in the unconscious part of the mind

the ego: Rational, balancing the id and superego, ‘reality principle’, formed between 18mo-3yrs,
-conscious part of the mind

• the superego: Reference to ‘morality principle’, acts as the conscience or moral guide, based on parental and societal values, formed between 3-6yrs,
  unconscious part of the mind

Question 6

explain why psychodynamic psychologists have often been criticised for neglecting the rules of the scientific approach=

Answer 6

• interpretation of content of dreams open to bias and subjectivity; no verifiable evidence;
  small sample;
  opportunity sample of friends and implications for generalizability