psychodynamic approach Flashcards
what is it
.The psychodynamic theory is a psychological theory Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) and his followers applied to explain the origins of human behavior.
.The psychodynamic approach includes all the theories in psychology that see human functioning based upon the interaction of drives and forces within the person, particularly the unconscious, and between the different structures of the personality.
.The words psychodynamic and psychoanalytic are often confused. Remember that Freud’s theories were psychoanalytic, whereas the term ‘psychodynamic’ refers to his theories and those of his followers.
.Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalysis was the original psychodynamic theory. Psychoanalysis is also the name given to the therapy derived from the theory of Sigmund Freud.
.The psychodynamic approach includes all theories that were based on Freud and his followers, including Carl Jung (1912), Melanie Klein (1921), Alfred Adler (1927), Anna Freud (1936), and Erik Erikson (1950).
assumptions
The causes of behavior have their origin in the unconscious mind.
* Psychic determinism: all behavior has a cause/reason. E.g., slips of the tongue (we have no free will).
* Behaviour is motivated by instinctual drives, Eros (Life) & Thanatos (Death).
* Different parts of the unconscious mind are in constant struggle (id, ego, and superego).
* Our behavior and feelings as adults (including psychological problems) are rooted in our childhood experiences (psycho-sexual stages)
the unconscious mind
Importance of the unconscious mind
The unconscious mind comprises mental processes inaccessible to consciousness that influence judgment, feelings, or behavior (Wilson, 2002).
According to the psychodynamic approach, the unconscious is the part of the mind that contains things we are unaware of, such as feelings, thoughts, urges, and memories.
According to Freud (1915), the unconscious mind is the primary source of human behavior. Like an iceberg, the most important part of the mind is the part you cannot see. Our feelings, motives, and decisions are powerfully influenced by past experiences and stored in the unconscious.
the id
The id is the primitive and instinctive component of personality. It consists of all the inherited, components of personality present at birth, including the sex ,instinct – Eros , and the aggressive
the ego
The ego develops to mediate between the unrealistic id and the external real world. It is the decision-making component of personality.
the superego
The superego incorporates society’s values and morals, which are learned from one’s parents and others. It has two components: the ego ideal, which sets the standards, and the conscience, which produces guilt.
oral stage -psychosexual stages
Oral Stage (Birth To 1 Year)
The Oral Stage is the first stage of Sigmund Freud’s theory of psychosexual development, occurring from birth until approximately 18 months.
During the oral stage, baby desires mother’s breast.
oral consequence
Freud also linked oral behaviors to specific personality types in adulthood. For example, a person fixated on the oral stage may engage in excessive eating, smoking, nail-biting, or becoming overly talkative, symbolizing the continued fulfillment of oral needs.
anal
Anal Stage (1 To 3 Years)
The anal stage is the second stage of psychosexual development happens between the ages of 18 months and three years.
During the anal stage, the child becomes focused on the anus, and the child derives great pleasure from defecating/ withholding species.
anal consequence
anal-retentive personality - hates mess, is obsessively tidy, punctual, and respectful of authority. They can be stubborn and tight-fisted with their cash and possessions.
An anal-expulsive personality is also messy, disorganized, and rebellious.
phallic
Phallic Stage Fixation
Freud theorized that unresolved conflicts during this stage could potentially lead to future issues such as sexual dysfunction, problems with gender identity, or difficulties in forming relationships.
If fixation occurs during this stage, Freud suggested it may lead to various issues in adulthood.
Freud suggested that fixations at this point could lead to adult personalities that are overly vain, exhibitionistic, and sexually aggressive.
In men, phallic fixation might result in anxiety about sexual performance, the need for reassurance and validation, or a tendency to be overly assertive or aggressiveIn women, fixation at the phallic stage could lead to a desire to dominate men, a rivalry with other women, or the need for male attention or approval.
oedipus complex
In the young boy, the Oedipus complex or conflict arises because the boy develops sexual (pleasurable) desires for his mother. He wants to possess his mother exclusively and get rid of his father to enable him to do so.
Irrationally, the boy thinks that if his father were to find out about all this, his father would take away what he loves the most. During the phallic stage, what the boy loves most is his penis. Hence the boy develops castration anxiety.
According to Freud, the fear of retaliation from the father (castration anxiety) eventually leads the boy to repress these incestuous desires and identify with the father, adopting his characteristics and values.
electra complex
In essence, the girl covets her father, yet recognizes that she lacks a penis, leading to the phenomenon Freud labeled as ‘penis envy‘ and a subsequent wish to be male.
This girl then ostensibly resolves her dilemma by repressing her desire for her father and replacing her yearning for a penis with a longing for a baby.
latency
The latency stage is the fourth stage of psychosexual development, spanning six years to puberty. The libido is dormant during this stage, and no further psychosexual development occurs (latent means hidden).
latency stage consequence
According to Freud, unresolved conflicts or issues during this stage can lead to problems later on, such as difficulty expressing emotions or forming healthy relationships.
For instance, if a child fails to make strong social connections or falls behind academically during this stage, they may struggle with feelings of inadequacy, insecurity, and social isolation in adulthood.
