AP Psych Unit 4 | Psychodynamic Theory

psychodynamic theory

suggests that personality is shaped by unconscious forces, internal conflicts, and defense mechanisms

• originally developed by Sigmund Freud

• emphasizes the influence of childhood experiences and unconscious drives

preconscious mind

contains thoughts and feelings that are not currently in conscious awareness but can be easily accessed when needed

unconscious mind

consists of processes and memories that are beyond conscious awareness and significantly influence thoughts, feelings, and behaviors

projective tests

tools used by psychodynamic personality psychologists to assess personality by eliciting responses that reveal the contents of the preconscious and unconscious mind

ego defense mechanisms

unconscious strategies used by the ego to protect itself from anxiety and perceived threats

denial

an ego defense mechanism where an individual unconsciously refuses to acknowledge reality or facts, thereby protecting themselves from uncomfortable truths

displacement

an ego defense mechanism where emotional impulses are redirected from the original source to a safer or more acceptable substitute target

projection

an ego defense mechanism where individuals attribute their own unacceptable feelings, thoughts, or motives to someone else, thus deflecting self-criticism

rationalization

an ego defense mechanism where individuals justify and explain their behaviors or feelings in a seemingly rational or logical manner to avoid confronting the true underlying reasons

reaction formation

an ego defense mechanism where individuals suppress unacceptable impulses by unconsciously displaying the opposite behavior or emotion

regression

an ego defense mechanism where an individual reverts to earlier stages of development and childlike behaviors when faced with stress or emotional conflict

repression

an ego defense mechanism where distressing thoughts and feelings are unconsciously blocked from entering conscious awareness

sublimation

an ego defense mechanism where negative urges and impulses are channeled into socially acceptable or constructive activities