Psychodynamic Approach

Psychodynamic Approach

A perspective that describes the different forces, most of which are unconscious, that impact the mind and direct human behaviour and experience.

Psychodynamic Approach Assumptions

1. Most of our mind is made up of the unconscious and that the conscious mind is therefore just 'the tip of the iceberg'.
2. The unconscious mind stores biological drives and instincts that have a significant influence on our behaviour and personality.
3. Our [three-part] personality - the psyche - is comprised of the ID, ego and superego.
4. Childhood experiences have significant importance in determining our personality when we reach adulthood.

Sigmund Freud (1856-1939)

Viennese Freud was a psychiatrist, neurologist and key pioneer of the psychodynamic approach (including his psychoanalytic theory of personality) - theorised that our mental activity is mostly unconscious and it is this unconscious activity that causes our behaviour.

Id

A reservoir of unconscious psychic energy that, according to Freud, strives to satisfy basic sexual and aggressive drives. The id operates on the pleasure principle, demanding immediate gratification.

Ego

The largely conscious, "executive" part of personality that, according to Freud, mediates among the demands of the id, superego, and reality. The ego operates on the reality principle, satisfying the id's desires in ways that will realistically bring pleasure rather than pain.

Superego

The moralistic part of our personality which represents the 'ideal self' and punishes the ego for wrong doing.

Psychosexual stages of development

Five development stages in which a child's pleasure-seeking urges are focused on specific areas of the body called erogenous zones. At each stage there is a different conflict, the outcome of which determines future development.

Defence mechanisms

Unconscious strategies that the ego uses to manage the conflict between the id and the superego.

Little Hans case study

-Little Hans feared that horses would bite him.
-Freud used the Oedipus complex and defense mechanisms to explain his phobia.
-Claimed Little Hans displaced his fear of his father castrating him onto the horse and it biting him.
-Provides support for the Oedipus complex and the theory of defence mechanisms.

Psychoanalysis Therapy

Freudian therapy employed a range of techniques such as hypnosis and dream analysis, designed to bring unconscious conflicts which usually date back to early childhood experiences into consciousness.