Psychodynamic Approach

Question 1

Psychodynamic Approach

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

The Unconscious

Answer 2

The part of the mind that we are unaware of but which continues to direct much of our behaviour. Drives, instincts, repressed traumas etc.

Question 3

Id

Answer 3

Entirely unconscious, the id is made up of selfish aggressive instincts that demand immediate gratification. Those with dominant ids are criminals etc.

Question 4

Ego

Answer 4

The ‘reality check’ that balances the conflicting demands of the id and the superego.

Question 5

Superego

Answer 5

The moralistic part of our personality which represents the ideal self: how we ought to be.

Question 6

Defence Mechanisms

Answer 6

Unconscious strategies that the ego uses to manage the conflict between the id and the superego (e.g. dreams).

Question 7

Psychosexual Stages

Answer 7

Five developmental stages that all children pass through. At each stage there is a different conflict, the outcome of which determines future development.

Question 8

Pleasure Principle

Answer 8

The drive to do things which produce pleasure or gratification, and to avoid pain. The id works on this.

Question 9

Reality Principle

Answer 9

The drive to accommodate to the demands of the environment in a realistic way. The ego works on this.

Question 10

Morality Principle

Answer 10

The drive to behave according to ideas of right and wrong and a social conscience.The superego works on this. Develops at around age 5.

Question 11

Denial

Answer 11

A form of ego defence where the ego is protected by refusing to acknowledge painful realities, thoughts, or feelings.

Question 12

Repression

Answer 12

A form of ego defence whereby anxiety-provoking material is kept out of conscious awareness as a means of coping.

Question 13

Displacement

Answer 13

A form of ego defence where the individual unconsciously redirects the threatening emotion, from the person or thing that has caused it, onto a third party.

Question 14

Fixation

Answer 14

A focus on a particular stage of psychosexual development because of over- or under-gratification during that stage.

Question 15

Oral Stage

Answer 15

The first stage (0-18 months) of psychosexual development where the organ focus is on the mouth.

Question 16

Oral Fixation

Answer 16

Gullible, nail biting, smoking, overeating.

Question 17

Anal Stage

Answer 17

The second stage (18 months - 3 years) of psychosexual development when the organ focus is on the anus.

Question 18

Anally Retentive

Answer 18

Perfectionist, obsessive. Anal fixation due to under-gratification.

Question 19

Anally Expulsive

Answer 19

Thoughtless, messy. Anal fixation due to over-gratification.

Question 20

Phallic Stage

Answer 20

The third stage of psychological development when the organ focus is on the genitals.

Question 21

Oedipus Complex

Answer 21

Freud’s explanation of how a boy’s resolve his love for his mother and feelings of rivalry towards his father by identifying with his father.

Question 22

Electra Complex

Answer 22

A term proposed by Carl Yung which refers to a process similar to the Oedipus Complex. In girls, an attraction to and envy of their father is resolved through identification with their mother.

Question 23

Penis Envy

Answer 23

A girl’s recognition of not having a penis, and desire to have one.

Question 24

Castration Anxiety

Answer 24

Experienced by boys fearful of their father finding out of their desire to have sex with their mother.

Question 25

Genital Stage

Answer 25

The final stage of psychosexual development when the organ focus is again on the genitals but this time in relation to the onset of puberty and adult sexual relations.

Question 26

Conscious

Answer 26

The immediate awareness.

Question 27

Preconscious

Answer 27

Accessible memories.

Question 28

Little Hans

Answer 28

A case study by Freud. A little boy who developed a phobia of horses.

Question 29

Projection

Answer 29

Diverting emotions from their original source onto a more neutral, less dangerous one.

Question 30

Projection

Answer 30

Diverting emotions from their original source onto a more neutral, less dangerous one. Ego defence mechanism.

Question 31

Reaction Formation

Answer 31

Changing unacceptable wishes/desires/beliefs into the opposite in the conscious mind. Ego defence mechanism.

Question 32

Regression

Answer 32

Engaging in behaviour which is representative of an earlier stage in childhood. Ego defence mechanism.

Question 33

Sublimation

Answer 33

Redirection of unacceptable urges/desires into more socially acceptable/appropriate behaviours. Ego defence mechanism.

Question 34

Rationalisation

Answer 34

Finding excuses/reason to justify an unacceptable behaviour/desire. Ego defence mechanism.

Question 35

Assumptions

Answer 35

Human nature is inherently antisocial - we are animals driven by selfishness. Infants are born with innate biological drives (e.g. sex, food). We have 2 basic instincts: Eros (life drive) and Thanatos (death drive). Good behaviour requires effective socialisation. Early experience is critical, and determines us in adult life.