Pyschodynamic Approach Flashcards
What was the primary aim of Freud’s study of Little Hans?
To support his views on the origins of phobias, childhood sexuality, and the Oedipus complex
Freud believed that these aspects were related to the unconscious mind.
How did Little Hans’ father contribute to the study?
He gathered qualitative data through observations and conversations with Hans, which he sent to Freud
This data was crucial for Freud’s interpretations.
What method was used in the study of Little Hans?
A longitudinal case study
This involved tracking Hans’ development from ages 3 to 5.
What significant event happened just before Hans turned three?
He developed an active interest in his ‘widdler’ and began to masturbate
This led to his mother threatening to call a doctor.
What incident triggered Hans’ fear of white horses?
Overhearing a man warn his child about a white horse and witnessing a horse fall down
These incidents contributed to Hans’ phobia.
What does the phobia of horses symbolize in Little Hans’ case?
It symbolizes Hans’ fear of his father
This fear was linked to the Oedipus complex.
What did Freud interpret the giraffe fantasy to represent?
The desire to take his mother away from his father
This was another indication of the Oedipus complex.
What conclusion did Freud reach regarding the cause of phobias?
Phobias are caused by unconscious anxiety being displaced onto harmless external objects
This supports the idea of unconscious determinism.
What is unconscious determinism?
The idea that people are not consciously aware of the causes of their behavior
This concept was illustrated through Hans’ case.
What was Freud’s conclusion about the effectiveness of psychoanalysis for Little Hans?
It was effective because it identified the unconscious cause of the abnormality
This cause was then brought into consciousness for discussion and resolution.
Fill in the blank: Freud concluded that boys in the phallic stage experience the _______.
Oedipus complex
What behaviors did Hans exhibit that related to the Oedipus complex?
Obsession with his ‘widdler’, giraffe fantasy, plumber fantasy, and parenting fantasy
Each of these behaviors was interpreted by Freud in the context of the Oedipus complex.
