Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory

Sigmund freud

AUSTRIAN NEUROLOGIST AND THE FOUNDER OF PSYCHOANALYSIS

MAY 6, 1856

Sigmund freud birthday

FREIBERG, MORAVIA, AUSTRIAN EMPIRE [NOW PRIBOR, CZECH REPUBLIC]

sigmund freud birthplace

SEPTEMBER 23, 1939

Death date

LONDON, ENGLAND)

death place

psychoanalytic theory of personality development

Freud developed the ______ which argued that personality is formed through conflicts among three fundamental structures of the human mind: Id, Ego, Super ego

ID

(Pleasure principle) It is the most primitive of the three structures, is concerned with instant gratification of basic physical needs and urges. It operates entirely unconsciously (outside of conscious thought)

Ego

(Reality principle) It is considered to be the "self," and its job is to balance the demands of the id and superego in the practical context of reality.

Superego

(Morality principle) It is concerned with social rules and morals-similar to what many people call their " conscience " or their "moral compass." It develops as a child learns what their culture considers right and wrong.

Conscious, Unconscious, Preconscious

Topographical Models

Unconscious

All we are not aware of

• The largest and most hidden part of the mind.

• Stores repressed desires, instincts, traumas, and unresolved conflicts.

• Drives much of human behavior, often without us realizing it.

• Example: A childhood trauma influencing adult fears or relationships.

Conscious

All that we are aware of

• The part of the mind we are actively aware of.

• Includes our thoughts, perceptions, and feelings we can easily access.

• Example: Thinking about what to eat for lunch.

Preconscious

A part of us that we can reach if prompted but is not in our active conscious.

• Information that is not currently in awareness but can be accessed with effort.

• Includes memories, stored knowledge, and past experiences.

• Example: Recalling a childhood friend’s name when asked.

Nonconscious

All that we are not aware of, have not experienced, and that have not been made part of our personalities.

PSYCHOSEXUAL STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT

Freud believed that the nature of the conflicts among the id, ego, and superego change over time as a person grows from child to adult.

Oral Stage

-Erogenous zone: MOUTH

• Too much or too little satisfaction can lead to Oral Fixation or Oral Personality as shown increased focus on oral activities.

• Birth to 18 months (Infancy Stage)

Oral receptive

a type of personality which has a stronger tendency to smoke, drink alcohol, and overeat.

Oral aggressive

tendency to bite his or her nails or use curse words or even gossip.

Anal Stage

• Erogenous zone: ANUS

• The anus becomes the primary focus of pleasure, particularly through toilet training.

• The child derives satisfaction from retaining or expelling feces.

• 18 months to 3 years old (Babyhood/Toddlerhood Stage)

Retaining feces

Some children might enjoy the feeling of control when they hold it in, which can later contribute to an anal-retentive personality (orderly, stubborn, perfectionist).

Expelling feces

Others might find pleasure in letting it out freely, which can later lead to an anal-expulsive personality (messy, disorganized, generous).

Anal-Retentive Personality

Too much strictness can lead to an

Anal-Expulsive Personality

Too much leniency* can lead to an

Phallic Stage

Phallic Stage

-Erogenous zone: GENITALS

-During pre-schools age, children become interested in what makes boys and girls different.

>Preschoolers will sometimes be seen fondling their genitals.

>Learning sex differences

-Ages 3-6 years old(Pre-school year / Early Childhood Stage)

Oedipus Complex

Boys develop unconscious sexual desire for their mother. Boys sees their Father as a rival for their mother’s affection.

Electra Complex

Girls may develop an unconscious sexual attraction towards their Father.

Personality Outcome

Fixation can lead to excessive vanity, overconfidence, or difficulties in relationships.

Latency Stage

• Middle and Late Childhood(Elementary School years)

• Sexual Energy is Dormant

• Focus on Same-Sex Friendships

• Skill and Confidence Building

• Little to No Fixation Issues

Genital Stage

• Adolescence

• Mature Sexual Interests Develop

• Focus on Relationships & Identity

• Balance Between Love & Work

• Fixation in Earlier Stages Can Resurface