Psychoynamic Approach

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

Psychodynamic approaches refer to psychotherapeutic techniques that derive from Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theory.

Question 2

Assumptions

Answer 2

Unconscious activity is the key to determine how we behave
We possess innate “drives” (or “instincts”) that “energize” our minds to motivate behaviour as we developed through our lives.
Our (three-part) personality - the psyche - is comprised of the ID, ego and superego.
Childhood experiences have significant importance in determining our personality when we reach adulthood.

Question 3

3 defense mechanisms

Answer 3

Repression
Displacement
Denial

Question 4

2 Techniques

Answer 4

Free association

Dream interpretation

Question 5

Psyche

Answer 5

Ego -> Acts rationally, balancing the ID and the Superego ‘reality principle’. Develops from age 2-4
Superego -> Concerned with keeping to moral norms ‘morality principle’. Attempts to control ID with guilt. Develops from age 4-5.
ID -> Driving us to satisfice our selfish urges ‘pleasure principle’. Exists from birth.

Question 6

Strengths

Answer 6

Focused on the effects that childhood have on developing personality.
Takes both nature and nurture into account.
By developing a method of treatment, more optimistic view, mental illnesses can be cured.

Question 7

Weaknesses

Answer 7

Ignores meditational processes
Doesn’t take into consideration the biological/genetic factors that influence and contributr to mental health problems.
Deterministic
Case studies, subjective
Reductionist
Unfalsifiable, cannot be proved, doesn’t use scientific methods.