Psychodynamic Approach Flashcards
Assumption?
Behaviour is due to unconscious motives
What are the four features of the psychodynamic approach?
1) The role of the unconscious
2) The structure of personality
3) Defence mechanisms
4) Psychosexual stages
The role of the unconscious
The unconscious is the part of the mind we are not consciously aware of such as repressed memories. The unconscious protects our conscious self from anxiety and fear. The unconscious drives much of our behaviour and personality.
The conscious is the part of the mind we know about and are aware of. The preconscious is the part of the mind below the preconscious and are thoughts and ideas that we may become aware of during dreams and slips of the tongue (Freudian slip). The unconscious is the part os the mind we are unaware of - biological drives and instincts and threatening and disturbing memories that have been repressed, locked away or forgotten but continue to drive our behaviour and personality.
The Structure of Personality
The personality is made up of the parts the id, the ego and the superego.
The id is the pleasure principle. It is the unconscious part of the mind and is present from birth. It focuses on self and expects immediate gratification. If it becomes too overwhelming for the ego it can produce a selfish personality.
The ego is the reality principle. It is the rational and conscious part of the mind and forms from 18 months to 3 years. It balances the demands and reduces the conflict between the id and the superego using defence mechanisms.
The superego os the morality principle. It forms from 3-6 years. It arises from identification with same sex parents. Its our internalised sense of right and wrong (conscience) based on parental values. If it becomes too overpowering for the ego it can produce an anxious personality and feelings of guilt.
Defence mechanisms
These are unconscious strategies used by the ego to manage the conflict between the id and the superego. For example repressed memories is forcing a distressing memory out of the conscious mind to the unconscious. These are unconscious and stop the ego becoming overwhelmed with conflict. However it can distort reality and overuse can affect behaviour so they are not a long term solution.
Repression - forcing a distressing memory out of the unconscious mind e.g. forgetting the trauma of your favourite pet dying.
Denial - refusing to acknowledge an unpleasant aspect of reality e.g. counting to turn up to work even though you have been fired.
Displacement - Transferring feeling from the true source of distressing emotion to a less threatening substitute target e.g. slamming the door after having a row with your mum.
