Psychodynamic Approach

Question 1

Define Psychodynamic

Answer 1

Refers to any theory that emphasises change and development in the individual, particularly those theories where ‘drive’ is a central concept in development. The best known psychodynamic theory is Freudian psychoanalysis

Question 2

Freud’s Psychoanalytic theory and the unconscious

Answer 2

Psychodynamic theorists believe that most behaviour is driven by unconscious motivation. Sigmund Freud believed the unconscious reveals itself in dreams and neurotic symptoms. Psychoanalysis is the psychotherapy derived from this approach.

Question 3

The Structure of personality

Answer 3

Freud divided the mind into three interacting structure
The Id
The Ego
The Superego

Question 4

Define The ID as the Structure of personality

Answer 4

Contains the libido and operates according to the pleasure principle, demanding immediate gratification regardless of circumstances.

Question 5

Define The Ego as the Structure of personality

Answer 5

Mediates between the ID and the superego

Question 6

Define The Superego as the Structure of personality

Answer 6

Consists of the conscience and the ego-ideal, which are internalised standards of what is good and bad behaviour respectively

Question 7

Defense Mechanisms

Answer 7

If the ID threatens to overwhelm the ego or superego, defense mechanisms may be triggered. These ‘fixes’ protect the individual from anxiety

Question 8

List the Defense Mechanism

Answer 8

Repression
Denial
Displacement

Question 9

Define Repression as a example of a Defense Mechanism

Answer 9

Unconscious blocking of unacceptable thoughts and impulses

Question 10

Define Denial as a example of a Defense Mechanism

Answer 10

Refusal to accept reality

Question 11

Define Displacement as a example of a Defense Mechanism

Answer 11

Re-directing feelings onto an innocent person or object

Question 12

Psycho-sexual Stages

Answer 12

Personality Develops through psychosexual stages, each driven by the need to express sexual energy through different parts of the body and the pleasure that comes from its discharge.

Question 13

List the Psycho-sexual Stages

Answer 13

0-2 = Oral
2-3 = Anal
3-6 = Phallic
6-12 = Latency
12+ = Genitals

Question 14

Strengths: Psychoanalysis - A Pioneering approach

Answer 14

Freud championed case studies and observation rather than introspection. He demonstrated the potential of psychological rather than biological treatments for disorders such as depression and anxiety.
In a review of psychotherapy studies it was concluded that psychoanalysis produced significant improvements in symptoms that lasted years after treatment.

Question 15

Strengths: Scientific support for the psychoanalytic approach

Answer 15

Critics of psychoanalysis often there is no scientific evidence for psychoanalysis and that its claims are not testable or falsifiable. However in a review of 2,500 studies the experimental tests of psychoanalysis lent support for the existence of unconscious motivation and defense mechanisms

Question 16

Strength: Psychoanalysis a comprehensive theory

Answer 16

One of the main strengths of psychoanalysis is the comprehensive nature of the theory. As well as its therapeutic applications, it can explain aspects of normal and abnormal behaviour that other theories cannot. EG Humor, Religion, Dreams, Appreciation of art and literature.

No other theory in psychology has been able to achieve such breadth

Question 17

Limitations: Psychoanalysis is a culture bias approach

Answer 17

Psychoanalysis with its emphasis on gaining personal insight through therapy has little relevance for people from non-western cultures. In China for example a person who is depressed and anxious avoids thoughts that cause distress rather than discuss them openly. This contrasts with the western belief that open discussion and insight are helpful.

Question 18

Limitations: Psychoanalysis is a genre bias approach

Answer 18

Freuds view of women and of female sexuality were less developed than his views on male sexuality. This lack of detailed attention to women is problematic, nevertheless, Freud treated many female patients.