Psychodynamic approach - Assumption 2

How are our conscious and unconscious minds connected?

According to psychodynamic theory we have an unconscious mind which influences our behaviour and often our conscious mind is unaware of thoughts and emotions that occur in this unconscious mind.

What are the three key characteristics of the unconscious mind?

• Pleasure seeking

• Unable to be assessed, even by the individual

• Determines some behaviour - motivates individuals through emotional drives

What is a Freudian slip?

A Freudian slip is where you say something accidentally which reveals something that you are unaware of, something from your unconscious mind

What are the three methods of accessing the Unconscious mind?

• Dream analysis

• Rorschach Inkblot test

• Word association

What three levels of consciousness did Freud propose there are?

• Conscious

• Preconscious

• Unconscious

What is the conscious mind?

The logical and rational part of the mind, what we are currently thinking/feeling

What is the preconscious mind?

The part of the mind that holds what we are not currently aware of but could be if we thought about it (similar to memories)

What is the unconscious mind?

The part of the mind that is irrational and ruled by pleasure seeking, it is where all of our repressed thoughts and feelings are contained

What are ego defence mechanisms?

Ways in which the ego protects itself from unconscious thoughts and feelings that may cause stress if they became conscious.

Why does the ego use defence mechanisms?

The ego uses defences to deal with the stress caused by conflicting demands of the id and superego.

What can the overuse of ego defence mechanisms lead to?

Disturbed behaviour

What are the three types of ego defence mechanisms?

• Repression

• Displacement

• Projection

Explain repression

Repression is where bad experiences or negative emotions are pushed into the unconscious so you no longer think about them

Explain displacement

Transferring undesirable impulses to another object or person that is a safer target.

Explain projection

Where undesirable thoughts or emotions are attributed to someone else instead of being acknowledged