Psychodynamic As An Explanaion Of Agression Flashcards
What is the instinct that drives all individuals?
Libido
What are the 2 main instincts?
Eros - the life instinct
Thanatos - the death instinct
What is catharsis?
Ways to satisfy urges without giving in to violent impulses
What are the 3 different personalities within the mind?
The id - operates on the pleasure principle
The ego - operates on the reality principle
The superego - operates on the morality principle
What three parts is the mind split into?
- The conscious
- The preconscious
- The unconscious
What is the conscious and an example of the conscious?
Small amount of mental activity we’re aware of (e.g. Thoughts)
What is the preconscious and and example of the preconscious?
Things we could be aware of if we tried (e.g. memories)
What is the unconscious and an example of the unconscious?
Things we’re unaware of and can’t be aware of (e.g. Violent motives)
What are defence mechanisms?
Something your mind does to stop you from feeling bad (e.g Anna-O - blocked out the memory of her parents having sex to protect her)
Give 2 pieces of supporting evidence of the psychodynamic theory
Verona and Sullivan - angry participants were given the chance to harm others and felt better (supports catharsis)
Takes into account individual differences (not reductionist)
Give 2 pieces of conflicting evidence of psychodynamic theory
Not scientific - no physical or scientific evidence to support the theory
Bushman - those who took part in cathartic activity ended up being more aggressive
Give 2 other theories which could explain aggression
Hormones and brain structure
Is psychodynamic theory useful?
Takes into account both nature and nurture (the brain and life events)
Deterministic
Is psychodynamic theory testable?
Relies on subjective analysis (qualitative data through interviews etc.)
Not objective or measurable
