Psychodynamic approach (key terms)

Question 1

Psychodynamic

Answer 1

Refers to any theory that emphasizes change and development in the individual, particularly where ‘drive’ is the central concept in development.

Question 2

Psychoanalysis

Answer 2

A term used to describe the personality theory and therapy associated with Freud.

Question 3

Unconscious

Answer 3

The part of the human mind that contains repressed ideas and memories. As well as primitive desires and impulses that aren’t allowed to enter the conscious mind.

Question 4

Id

Answer 4

Entirely unconscious and is made up of selfish, aggressive instincts that demand immediate gratification.

Question 5

Psychic determination

Answer 5

Unconscious forces and desires are inborn and control and determine behavior - all we say and do has a cause.

Question 6

Ego

Answer 6

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

Question 7

Superego

Answer 7

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

Question 8

Defense mechanisms

Answer 8

Unconscious strategies that protect our conscious mind from anxiety. They involve a distortion of reality to cope better.

Question 9

Psychosexual stages

Answer 9

5 developmental stages that all children pass through. At each stage there is a different conflict.

Question 10

Fixation

Answer 10

Become stuck at a certain stage and carries certain conflicts to later life

Question 11

Repression

Answer 11

Forcing a distressing memory out of the conscious mind

Question 12

Denial

Answer 12

Rejecting the thought or feeling and refuse to acknowledge some aspect of reality

Question 13

Displacement

Answer 13

Transfer feeling from true sources of distress emotion onto a substitute target