Psychodynamic Perspective

Question 0

What is the idea of mental imbalances?

Answer 0

When:

1. Ego is too weak= superego and ID dominate causing delusions of grandeur (extreme arrogance) and paranoia
2. ID too strong= selfish, out of control, could become psychopathic
3. Superego too powerful= neurosis which could be expressed through phobias and obsessions
4. Superego top strong= strict, anxious, obsessive (depression, anxiety, OCD)

Question 1

What is Freud’s Theory of Mind?

Answer 1

3 sections of consciousness:
CONSCIOUS= part of mind we are aware of- everyday thoughts and feelings
PRECONSCIOUS= thoughts and memories not accessible at all times but easily recalled
UNCONSCIOUS= repressed thoughts, memories and feelings

ID= pleasure principle
EGO= reality principle
SUPER EGO= morality principle

Question 2

What are examples of mental imbalance abnormalities?

Answer 2

• Paranoia
• Bipolar
• OCD

Question 3

What is the defence mechanism?

Answer 3

• Used to cope with anxiety caused by unresolved conflicts in unconscious.
• They include repression, displacement, projection and denial.
• All happen in unconscious
• All use them on a daily basis
• If over use them, can lead to mental abnormalities e.g psychosis

Question 4

What are Freud’s assumptions?

Answer 4

• ID is present at birth: a newborn baby is completely selfish
• Ego developed by age of 3: child becomes aware others have feelings
• Superego appears around age 5: sense of morality (conscience) passed on by parents which child internalises

Question 5

What are the pros of Freud’s theory of mind?

Answer 5

• only theory of the time that relied on experimental method
• new perspective on mental illness, allowing people to see that talking about problems with professionals could help symptoms.

Question 6

What are the cons?

Answer 6

• Overemphasized the unconscious mind, sex, aggression and childhood experiences
• Difficult to access the accuracy on wide variety of patients as every person is different and deals with problems differently
• Most of Freud’s findings were based off of case studies and clinically observations

Question 7

What is the assumption?

Answer 7

Many important influences on behaviour come from a part of the mind individuals have no direct awareness of: the unconscious.