The Psychodynamic Approach Flashcards
what is the main assumption of the psychodynamic approach?
all behaviour can be explained in term of inner conflicts of the mind
according to freud, what role does the unconscious mind play in behaviour?
the unconscious mind determines most of our behaviour, motivating us through unconscious emotional drives.
what are the three parts of Freuds tripartite personality?
Id, Ego and Superego
describe the ‘id’ in Freuds theory of personality?
the id is present at birth, made up of unconscious instincts and drives, and is motivated by the pleasure principle, seeking instant gratification
what is the role of the ‘ego’ according to freud?
the ego, developing from ages 1-3, is guided by the reality principle and meditates conflicts between the id and superego using defence mechanisms
describe the ‘superego’ in Freuds personality theory
the superego develops from age 3-5, operates by the morality principle, and punishes the ego with guilt for perceived wrongdoing
what can happen if the ego fails to balance the demands of the id and superego?
a dominant superego may lead to neurosis (eg depression), while a dominant Id may lead to psychosis (eg, schizophrenia)
what are the three parts of the mind in Freuds model?
the conscious, preconscious and unconscious
define the ‘conscious’ mind
the conscious mind is the part we are aware of and can access without effort; it contains part of the ego
what is the ‘preconscious’ mind?
the preconscious mind requires effort to access and contains parts of the ego and superego
define the ‘unconscious’ mind
the unconscious mind is part of the mind we are not aware of it protects the conscious self from trauma or anxiety, it the id and part of the superego
why do we use defence mechanisms according to freud?
to reduce anxiety caused by unresolved conflicts between the id and superego
what is ‘repression’ as a defence mechanism?
repression keeps disturbing memories out of the conscious mind and in the unconscious, such as painful childhood memories
explain ‘displacement’ as a defence mechanism
displacement redirects and impulse from its original target onto a more acceptable one, eg, being angry at your father but shouting at your sister
what is ‘denial’ as a defence mechanism?
denial involves refusing to acknowledge unpleasant realities, keeping them out of conscious awareness e,g losing a job but still going to work every day
