psychodynamic approach

Question 1

psychodynamic approach definition

Answer 1

A perspective that describes the different forces, most of which are unconscious, that operate on the mind and direct human behaviour and experience.

Question 2

psychodynamic approach basic assumptions

Answer 2

-The unconscious mind is thought to drive behaviour
-Instincts are thought to motivate behaviour
-Early childhood experiences are extremely important in making people who they are

Question 3

Role of the Unconscious

Answer 3

-The part of the mind that individuals are unaware of, but which directs much of their behaviour
-The unconscious mind is believed to show in behaviour through: Freudian slips, creativity; neurotic symptoms, dreams
-The unconscious mind also contains threatening and disturbing memories that have been repressed

Question 4

Structure of Personality

Answer 4

-known as a tripartite system
-Early experiences are thought to be vital in shaping personality and this impacts how someone behaves.

Question 5

The Id

Answer 5

This is the primitive part of personality. It is present at birth and forms up until about 18 months. It operates on the pleasure principle – the Id gets what it wants. It is entirely selfish and demands instant gratification of its needs.

Question 6

The Ego

Answer 6

This develops between 18 months- 3 years. It operates on the reality principle – the state of things as they actually exist, and is the mediator between the Id and the Superego. Its role is to reduce the conflict between the demands of the Id and the Superego. It manages this by using defence mechanisms. These offer the Ego protection to ensure that neither ‘force’ is dominant.

Question 7

The Superego

Answer 7

It is an individual’s internalised sense of right and wrong. It develops between 3 and 6 years and is formed at the end of the phallic stage. It operates on the morality principle – it represents the moral standards of the child’s same-sex parent and punishes the Ego for wrongdoing. It strives for the Ego Ideal which is determined by strict parenting.

Question 8

Defence Mechanisms

Answer 8

-Defence mechanisms distort reality to reduce anxiety and stop people from being overwhelmed by temporary threats or traumas. This is because anxiety weakens the Ego and means that it cannot mediate between the Id and Superego
-The specification refers to the following defence mechanisms:
· Repression: blocking of an unpleasant memory.
· Denial: refusal to accept reality.
· Displacement: redirecting of emotions onto other objects or people.

Question 9

Psychosexual Stages

Answer 9

Each stage is marked by a different conflict that the child must resolve to progress successfully into the next stage. Strict parenting vs. overindulgence in each stage can cause fixation. This is because the psychosexual conflict is unresolved, which leads to the individual becoming ‘stuck’. They then carry certain behaviours and conflicts from that stage into adult life.