Wk 4: Psychodynamic Approaches

What are the key focuses of psychodynamic approaches?

Ability to love, ability to work, self-identity, and interpersonal relationships.

What are the basic assumptions of psychodynamic approaches?

Freudian concepts, psychic energy, symbols, projections, object relationships, and attachment theory.

What are the three components of personality according to Freud?

Id (primitive drives), Ego (logical balance), and Superego (moral code).

What is the role of the Id in Freudian theory?

It operates on pleasure and is driven by primitive instincts and needs.

How does the Ego function in Freudian psychology?

It seeks to balance internal drives with external expectations through logical reasoning.

What does the Superego represent in Freud's model?

It embodies the moral code and ideals learned from parents, culture, and society.

What are the psychosexual stages of development according to Freud?

Oral (0-1 year), Anal (1-3 years), Phallic (3-5 years), Latency (5-12 years), and Genital (12 years).

What is the significance of the oral stage in psychosexual development?

It focuses on trust and dependency, and issues here can affect later relationships.

What occurs during the anal stage of psychosexual development?

It emphasizes control and autonomy, with potential for conflict over toilet training.

What is the Oedipal complex in the phallic stage?

A child's feelings of desire for the opposite-sex parent and jealousy toward the same-sex parent.

What is the latency stage characterized by?

Social role development and the emergence of guilt, focusing on peer relationships.

What does the genital stage involve?

Development of sexual identity and adult responsibilities in love and work.

What is psychic energy in the context of Freud's theories?

The energy that drives the ego's growth and resolves conflicts between the Id and Superego.

How can mental illness affect psychic energy?

It can trap psychic energy in the Id, leading to maladaptive behaviors.

What is the role of libido in psychodynamic theory?

It is the life force that drives sexual energy, intimacy, and relationship formation.

What are aggressive drives according to Freudian psychology?

They represent hostility and the urge to destroy, often seen as a death-force.

How can occupational therapy (OT) facilitate expression of psychic energy?

By using activities that channel both aggressive and libido drives constructively.

What is the purpose of psychoanalysis in psychodynamic therapy?

To help individuals become aware of unconscious conflicts and fixations for effective ego management.

How do symbols play a role in psychodynamic therapy?

Unconscious emotions often manifest as symbols, which therapists help clients interpret.

What is meant by object relationships in occupational therapy?

It refers to relationships with both humans and nonhuman objects in the environment.

How does OT help clients with basic needs?

By facilitating recognition, self-esteem, belonging, and other fundamental needs.

What are the two types of childhood attachments?

Secure and insecure attachments.

How do secure childhood relationships affect adult relationships?

They foster satisfying relationships later in life.

What are the three types of insecure attachment?

Avoidance, ambivalent, and disorganized.

What do restorative practices focus on?

Care seeking, caregiving, exploring interest sharing, affectionate sexuality, self-defense, and internal/external supportive systems.

How can occupational therapy (OT) support clients in terms of attachment?

By facilitating safe exploration of interests and discussing ways to restore well-being and manage social relationships.

What is the focus of Ego Psychology?

It emphasizes conscious aspects of personality and observable behavior.

What is the ego's role in a person's self-concept?

It serves as the sense of self; a positive self-view motivates clients to overcome disabilities.

What are some functions of the ego?

Reality testing, sense of self, judgment, self-control, and defensive mechanisms.

What is reality testing in the context of the ego?

The ability to differentiate between internal needs and external demands for adaptation.

What is consensual validation?

Hearing others' perceptions and integrating them with one's own views.

What strategies can be used for reality testing?

Exploring outer reality through concrete tasks and receiving positive feedback.

What is self-concept?

The sense of identity and ego, which can be treated through drawing and word association.

How can occupational therapy promote self-esteem?

By encouraging expression of emotions and using successful experiences and feedback.

What cognitive functions are associated with the ego?

Attention, memory, learning, logical thought, and problem-solving.

What is required for good judgment?

Accurate perception, identification of behaviors and consequences, and control of responses.

What is self-control in the context of ego psychology?

The function to control instinctual drives from the id.

What are defense mechanisms?

Ways to ward off anxiety and preserve the ego.

What is sublimation as a defense mechanism?

Rechanneling energy into productive activities, encouraged through occupational participation.

What is projection in the context of defense mechanisms?

Projecting feelings onto someone else, which can be encouraged through crafts.

What is regression as a defense mechanism?

A temporary return to earlier behaviors, which can be encouraged through media.

What is the purpose of acting out in therapy?

Acting out may be used instead of talking it out; occupational therapy should discourage this behavior.

What are the types of defense mechanisms?

Narcissistic (projection, denial, distortion), Immature (acting out, blocking, hypochondriasis, passive-aggressive), Neurotic (controlling, displacement, dissociation, repression), and Mature (altruism, anticipation, asceticism, humor, sublimation, suppression).

What does competence and mastery refer to in psychology?

An organism's ability to interact effectively with its environment, involving motivation, coping, compensation, and energy conservation.

What characterizes psychological dysfunction?

Presence of neurosis, psychosis, or character disorders, inadequate psychosexual development, conflicts and fixations, and lack of ego skills.

What are the two ways change occurs in therapy?

Through activities for emotional expression and interpretation, and learning and performance of adequate ego-adaptive skills.

What is the role of the occupational therapist in group therapy?

To create a safe space for expression and facilitate problem-solving without making decisions or rescuing participants.

What are the goals of task-oriented groups in therapy?

To develop and practice ego skills such as reality testing, body image, self-identity, self-esteem, and the use of healthy defense mechanisms.

What are the phases of a task-oriented group?

Planning, Decision-making, Doing, Evaluating, and Reflection on behavior and feelings about the group.

What is the focus of expressive therapy groups?

To give symbolic meaning to activities and encourage self-expression through creative arts like art, creative writing, and drama.

What is sublimation in the context of defense mechanisms?

The process of transferring unwanted urges into something helpful or productive.

What does 'drive reduction' refer to in motivation?

The process of reducing drives to achieve successful mastery of ego skills.

What is the significance of group interventions in therapy?

They provide structure and support for members to engage in tasks that promote learning and functional effectiveness.

What is the purpose of ego adaptive groups?

To provide opportunities for individuals to learn from their environment and enhance their social roles and occupations.

What is the function of the group leader in therapy?

To facilitate the group process, encourage decision-making, and prevent immobilization due to frustration.

What activities might be included in expressive therapy?

Art projects, creative writing exercises, drama, and potentially pet therapy.

What is the empty chair technique in group therapy?

A therapeutic exercise where a participant engages in dialogue with an empty chair representing another person or aspect of themselves.

What does 'reality testing' involve in the context of ego skills?

The ability to distinguish between what is real and what is not, crucial for effective functioning.

What is the importance of self-esteem in therapy?

Self-esteem impacts an individual's ability to cope, make decisions, and engage in healthy relationships.

What is the role of humor as a defense mechanism?

Humor allows individuals to cope with stress and difficult situations by providing a lighter perspective.

What does anticipation refer to in mature defense mechanisms?

The ability to prepare for future challenges or stressors in a constructive way.