Psychodynamic (Freud)

Question 1

What are the three levels of the mind in Freud’s theory?

Answer 1

Conscious, Preconscious, Unconscious

Question 2

What does the conscious mind do?

Answer 2

It includes in-the-moment thinking, feelings, and perceptions.

Question 3

What does the preconscious mind contain?

Answer 3

Information we are aware of but not actively thinking about.

Question 4

What does the unconscious mind contain?

Answer 4

Darkest wishes, fears, instincts, sexual desires, and trauma-based memories.

Question 5

Why is the unconscious mind considered a self-protector?

Answer 5

It masks thoughts that could cause distress.

Question 6

What are common methods for studying the unconscious mind?

Answer 6

Dream analysis, talking therapy, case studies.

Question 7

What are the three structures of personality?

Answer 7

Id, Ego, Superego

Question 8

What is the function of the Id?

Answer 8

It follows the pleasure principle, seeking immediate gratification of primal urges (libido).

Question 9

How does the Ego function?

Answer 9

It follows the reality principle, balancing the Id and Superego.

Question 10

What is the role of the Superego?

Answer 10

It follows the morality principle, enforcing societal expectations and guilt.

Question 11

When does the Id develop?

Answer 11

It is present at birth.

Question 12

When does the Ego develop?

Answer 12

Within the first few years of life.

Question 13

When does the Superego develop?

Answer 13

It develops last through socialization, family, and culture.

Question 14

What happens when conflicts between these structures are unresolved?

Answer 14

It can lead to abnormal psychopathology.

Question 15

How is the psyche studied?

Answer 15

Psychoanalysis, therapy, observation.

Question 16

What do the psychosexual stages explain?

Answer 16

How childhood experiences affect adult personality and behavior.

Question 17

What are the five psychosexual stages (in order)?

Answer 17

Oral, Anal, Phallic, Latency, Genital

Question 18

What is the focus of the oral stage (birth – 18 months)?

Answer 18

Mouth activities (feeding, weaning).

Question 19

What are the possible adult behaviors from fixation in the oral stage?

Answer 19

Over/undereating, smoking, nail-biting, excessive talking.

Question 20

What is the focus of the anal stage (18 months – 3 years)?

Answer 20

Toilet training.

Question 21

What are the two personality types linked to the anal stage?

Answer 21

💡 - Anal expulsive (messy, overshares).
💡 - Anal retentive (obsessively tidy, rigid, authoritarian).

Question 22

What happens during the phallic stage (3/4 – 7 years)?

Answer 22

Sexual identity develops (Oedipus (mother and male child) & Electra complexes(female child and father)).

Question 23

What adult behaviors may result from fixation in the phallic stage?

Answer 23

Narcissism, vanity, exhibitionism, compulsive sexual behavior, aggression.

Question 24

What happens in the latency stage (6/7 years – puberty)?

Answer 24

Sexual urges are dormant; same-sex friendships develop.

Question 25

What adult behaviors may result from fixation in the latency stage?

Answer 25

inability to form fulfilling relationships as an adult, immaturity

Question 26

What happens in the genital stage (puberty +)?

Answer 26

Mature intimate relationships form.

Question 27

How are the psychosexual stages studied?

Answer 27

Case studies, observation.

Question 28

What are the strengths for the unconsious mind concept?

Answer 28

Explains repressed trauma and hidden influences on behavior. Introduced the idea of unconscious defense mechanisms (e.g., repression, denial). Influenced therapy techniques like psychoanalysis and dream analysis. Highlights the role of past experiences in shaping personality.

Question 29

What are the weaknesses for the unconsious mind concept?

Answer 29

Cannot be scientifically measured or directly observed. Overemphasizes unconscious motives and ignores conscious thought processes. Lacks empirical evidence; based on subjective interpretations. Modern neuroscience suggests the mind is more fluid and interactive.

Question 30

What are the strengths for the psyche mind concept?

Answer 30

Provides a structured framework for understanding human behavior and decision-making. Recognizes internal conflicts and how they shape personality. Explains moral development and self-regulation. Has influenced modern psychology, including cognitive and personality theories.

Question 31

What are the weaknesses for the psyche mind concept?

Answer 31

Overly simplistic and rigid categories for personality structure. Ignores biological and environmental factors in behavior. Difficult to scientifically test or validate. Freud’s emphasis on sexuality may not apply universally across cultures.

Question 32

What are the strengths for the Psychosexual stages?

Answer 32

Emphasizes childhood experiences in shaping adult personality. Recognizes the influence of early relationships on later behaviors. Introduced key ideas like fixation and developmental progression. Provided a foundation for later developmental psychology theories.

Question 33

What are the weaknesses for the Psychosexual stages?

Answer 33

Lacks empirical support—many claims cannot be tested. Overemphasizes sexual development as the main driver of personality. Gender-biased theories (e.g., Oedipus and Electra complexes). Too deterministic—suggests that early experiences permanently shape personality. Generalisation