The Psychodynamic approach Flashcards
What is the psychodynamic approach?
a perspective that describes different forces, most of which are unconscious
What is the unconscious?
The part of the mind that we are unaware of but which continues to direct much of our behaviour
What are the three parts of personality?
The Id
The ego
The superego
What is the id?
Entirely unconscious
Selfish and aggression instincts
Wants immediate gratification
What is the ego?
The reality principle
Rational part of personality
Balances the conflicts between the id and the superego
What is the superego?
Moral principle
Represents the ideal self
Wants to be the best version of self
What are defence mechanisms?
Unconscious strategies that the ego uses to manage the conflict between the id and the superego
What does the psychodynamic approach believe that human behaviour and personality are largely determined by?
Unconscious motives
What type of research methods are used by the psychodynamic approach?
Case studies
Where are repressed memories placed?
In the unconscious
What does the preconscious include?
Thoughts and ideas which we become aware of during dreams
Why does the ego use defence mechanisms?
To protect the conscious mind from discovering the id
What are psychosexual stages?
5 developmental stages that all children pass through
What is each psychosexual stage marked by?
Conflict which has to be resolved in order for the child to pass into the next stage
What happens if any conflict in the psychosexual stages of development is not resolved?
It will lead to fixation where the chid becomes stuck in the stage and manifests itself in certain behaviours and conflicts that a child carries throughout their life
What is the first stage of psychosexual development?
Oral stage
What age does the oral stage occur at?
0-18 months
What are some characteristics of the oral stage?
Pleasure from sucking and swallowing
When teeth develop, pleasure is gained from biting and chewing
What is the second stage of psychosexual development?
Anal stage