Topographic theory of mind

Question 1

Topographical theory

Answer 1

• from Interpretation of Dreams in 1900
• Freud
• mind is divided into 3 regions: the conscious system, proconscious system and unconscious system

Question 2

Two principles

Answer 2

Pleasure principle-the innate tendency to avoid pain and seek pleasure
Reality principle-a learned function, which requires delay or postponement of wish fulfillment according to environmental reality

Question 3

The conscious system

Answer 3

• receives and processes information from the outside world
• contents are communicated via speech and behaviour
• attention cathexis refers to the investment of psychic energy on a particular idea or feeling to process it consciously
• operates secondary process thinking mainly

Question 4

Unconscious system

Answer 4

• contains the contents of censored or repressed wishes
• characterised by primary-process thinking
• governed by pleasure principle
• shift of cathexis happens often and quickly
• evident via parapraxes (Freudian slips) and dreams

Question 5

Preconscious system

Answer 5

• as and when needed service
• interfaces with both unconscious and conscious
• contents of unconscious become conscious by squeezing through the preconscious
• maintains the ‘repressive barrier’ to censor unacceptable wishes and desires (not repressed contents)

Question 6

Dual instinct theory

Answer 6

-sexual energy and aggressive energy are dual instincts
Libido is the force by which the sexual instinct is represented in the mind (Eros)
Aggression is an instinct with destruction as aim and is part of Thanatos (according to Freud)

Question 7

Signal anxiety

Answer 7

unconscious perception of external or internal threat leads to resource mobilisation and aversion threat

Question 8

Disintegration/annihilation anxiety

Answer 8

concerns about fusion with an external object

Question 9

Stranger anxiety

Answer 9

around 7-9 months of age

Question 10

Separation anxiety

Answer 10

when mother is recognised as independent object

Question 11

Fear of object loss/loss of love

Answer 11

-especially in girls at phallic stage

Question 12

Superego anxiety

Answer 12

-mature form of anxiety

id vs ego conflicts

Question 13

Analytical Psychology (Jungian model)

Answer 13

• collective unconscious-all mankinds collective symbolic past, archetypes
• personal unconscious-complexes

Question 14

Persona

Answer 14

-mask covering one’s personality
-presented to outside world
Jung

Question 15

Anima

Answer 15

-unconscious feminine aspect of a man

Jung

Question 16

Animus

Answer 16

-unconscious masculine aspect of a woman

Jung

Question 17

Individuation

Answer 17

• ultimate goal of life where an individual develops a sense of self-identity
• Jung

Question 18

Individuation

Answer 18

-ultimate goal of life where an individual develops a sense of self-identity