Unit 2: AC2.2 - Freud - Psychodynamic theories IND Flashcards
What is one of Freud’s key assumptions? (UM)
Childhood experiences of traumatic memories stored in the unconscious mind influences conscious thoughts and behaviour.
What is another one of Freud’s key assumptions? (UC)
An individual’s unresolved psychological conflicts results in an abnormal psyche development which may lead to criminal behaviour.
Conscious (theory of consciousness)
Thoughts that are currently the focus of attention
Preconscious (theory of consciousness)
Information that can be retrieved easily and brought to consciousness
Unconscious (theory of consciousness)
Contains disturbing thoughts and feelings of anxiety.
Despite it being there, it still influences our behaviour.
Id (theory of personality)
Born with it and it is the pleasure seeking principle, the devil
Ego (theory of personality)
Develops at the age of two, it is the rational mind which is based on right/wrong behaviour.
Superego (theory of personality)
Develops at the age of five, it is the angel which imposes guilt for behaviour
What does an imbalance of the superego mean?
It means it is impaired so it cannot inflict guilt on the id for impulsive behaviour.
Weak superego
Same sex is absent when superego develops so they have no one to identify with = become egocentric as morality doesn’t develop
Deviant superego
Parent is criminal/has no morals, child will grow to think the same = they do not associate crime with guilt
Harsh superego
Child has been severely punished, superego will impose feelings of guilt = commit crimes so then the superego is satisfied with being punished
Repression (defence mechanisms)
Keeping disturbing thoughts from becoming conscious to avoid unpleasant emotions
Denial (defence mechanisms)
Refusing to acknowledge reality
Displacement (defence mechanisms)
Placing anger (usually) from its primary target to a substitute target
