The Psychodynamic Approach (Approaches) Flashcards
Psychodynamic
A perspective that describes the different forces (dynamics), most of which are unconscious, that operate on the mind and direct human behaviour and experience.
Assumptions of the Psychodynamic Approach
-states that unconscious forces in our mind, determine our thoughts, feelings and behaviour (dynamic refers to the ongoing movement of these forces)
-our behaviour as adults is strongly influenced by our childhood experiences
-abnormal behaviour is the result of mental conflict
-the mind can be divided into three levels of consciousness, which can be illustrated by the iceberg analogy. The unconscious mind, which is hidden below the surface, has the most influence on our personality
ID
-primitive part of the personality
-operates on the pleasure principle
-is a mass of unconscious drives and instincts
-only the ID is present at birth
Ego (the ‘I’)
develops around the age of two years
-works on the reality principle and is the mediator between the ID and Superego
-makes the person aware of other people’s feelings and that it cant always have its own way
-its role is to reduce the conflict between the de,ands of the ID and the Superego
-manages this by employing a number of defence mechanisms
‘reality principle’
Superego
-formed around the age of five
-is our internalised sense of right and wrong
-represents the moral standards if the child’s same-sex parent
-punishes the ego for wrongdoing through guilt
‘morality principle’
Conflicts between the ID, Ego and Superego
-Ego too weak: allows ID and Superego to dominate
-ID too strong: selfish out of control, could become psychopathic
-Superego too strong: strict, anxious, obsessive-depression, anxiety and OCD
Healthy Psyche
The Ego is in control
Neurotic Psyche
The Superego is in control
Psychotic Psyche
ID is in control
Psychopathic Psyche
Absence of the Superego, Id in complete control
The oral stage
From birth until about 10 months
-the mouth is the main focus of pleasure during this stage
-the child enjoys tasting and sucking
-the mother’s breast is the object of desire
-successful completion is demonstrated by weaning (eating independently)
Consequence of unresolved conflict: sarcastic, critical, sensitive to rejection. Overeats and drinks, bites nails, may smoke.
The anal stage
18 months to 3 years
-defecation is main source of pleasure
-successful completion marked by potty training
Consequence of unresolved conflict: Either: anally retentive- very tidy, stubborn, likes order and being in control, perfectionist, obsessive; or Anally expulsive- thoughtless, messy
The Phallic stage
Around age 3-5 years
-form of pleasure is the genital area
-Oedipus complex: boy wants his mother as his ‘primary love object’ and wants his father out of the way
-identification with same sex parent is required for completion
-Electra complex: girls experience penis envy; they desire their father, as the penis is the primary love object and hate their mother
Consequence of unresolved conflict: Phallic personality- narcissistic, reckless, possibly homosexual
The Latency stage
age 5 to puberty approximately
-earlier conflicts are repressed
-sexual urges sublimated into sports and other hobbies
-focus on developing same sex friendships
-no particular requirements for successful completion
The Genital stage
puberty into adulthood
-focus is on genitals but not to same extent as phallic stage
-task is to develop healthy adult relationships
-should happen if the other stages have been negotiated successfully
Consequence of unresolved conflict
-difficulty forming heterosexual relationships