PSYCHODYNAMICS

"Describe the psychodynamic approach in psychology."

"The psychodynamic approach includes all theories in psychology that see human functioning based on the interaction of drives and forces within the person, particularly the unconscious."

"Define psychoanalysis and its origin."

"Psychoanalysis is a term used to describe Freud’s theories and therapeutic approach. It was the original psychodynamic theory, but the psychodynamic approach includes all theories based on his ideas."

"Explain the contributions of Johann Joseph Gassner to the roots of psychoanalysis."

"Johann Joseph Gassner was a priest who cured mental illness through exorcism and emphasized the importance of the patient's belief in the powers of Christ."

"How did Franz Anton Mesmer influence the development of psychoanalysis?"

"Franz Anton Mesmer argued that he cured patients using magnetic forces in his own body and experimented with hypnosis, which laid groundwork for later psychological theories."

"What was Philippe Pinel's role in the treatment of the mentally ill?"

"Philippe Pinel was one of the first to advocate humane treatment of the mentally ill, improving conditions in asylums, releasing patients from chains, promoting hygiene, and stopping blood-letting."

"Describe Jean-Martin Charcot's contributions to neurology and psychoanalysis."

"Jean-Martin Charcot was a neurologist who meticulously documented symptoms and correlated brain abnormalities, identifying multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and was interested in hysteria."

"What was the significance of Josef Breuer's 'talking cure'?"

"Josef Breuer developed the 'talking cure' in the 1880s, exemplified by the case of Anna O., where bringing repressed memories to consciousness led to the disappearance of symptoms."

"Explain the case of Anna O. and its relevance to psychoanalysis."

"The case of Anna O. involved a 21-year-old woman with hysteria whose symptoms, including paralysis and memory loss, disappeared after her repressed memories were brought to consciousness through hypnosis."

"How did Sigmund Freud's education influence his work in psychoanalysis?"

"Sigmund Freud qualified as a doctor of medicine at the University of Vienna and studied with Jean-Martin Charcot in Paris, focusing on hypnosis and hysteria, which influenced his development of psychoanalytic theory."

"What improvements did Philippe Pinel implement in asylums?"

"Philippe Pinel improved conditions in asylums by releasing patients from chains, promoting hygiene, and segregating different types of patients."

"Describe Bertha Pappenheim's background and her role in caring for her father."

"Bertha Pappenheim was an educated young woman from Vienna who cared for her father when he contracted tuberculosis until he passed away."

"Explain the symptoms that were diagnosed as hysteria in Anna."

"Anna demonstrated a variety of symptoms including hallucinations, sleep-walking, hydrophobia, and partial paralysis."

"How did Breuer contribute to the understanding of Anna's symptoms?"

"Breuer treated Anna and related past events to her symptoms, which led to the origin of the talking cure and had a huge influence on Freud."

"Define the affect-trauma model as proposed by Freud."

"The affect-trauma model suggests that the symptoms of hysteria have psychological meaning and are expressions of major emotional trauma that were repressed."

"Explain the concept of repression according to Freud."

"Repression is a defense mechanism where painful and threatening memories are kept out of conscious memory to protect from anxiety, but it can lead to symptoms like panic, anxiety, or depression."

"What is meant by 'the return of the repressed'?"

"'The return of the repressed' refers to repressed memories appearing in dreams or slips of the tongue."

"Differentiate between repression and suppression."

"Repression is an unconscious defense mechanism that keeps painful memories out of awareness, while suppression is a conscious effort to avoid thinking about distressing thoughts or memories."

"Describe Freud's seduction theory regarding hysteria."

"Freud initially hypothesized that hysteria was caused by premature sexual experiences, specifically the seduction of a child by an adult, but later doubted the frequency of such events."

"Explain the Oedipus Complex as described by Freud."

"The Oedipus Complex is the phenomenon where a child feels love for their mother and jealousy towards their father, considered a universal event in early childhood."

"Discuss contemporary views on the Oedipus Complex."

"Contemporary views suggest that the internal world of the child is emotionally complex, and that pressures to obey and the need to lose a sense of omnipotence can disturb the Oedipus Complex."

"What shift occurred in Freud's focus during the instinctual drives model phase?"

"Freud shifted his focus to inborn drives, particularly libido, to explain human motivation, emphasizing biological drives over external events."

"Define the pleasure principle in Freud's theory."

"The pleasure principle is the concept that the libido operates on the basis of seeking pleasure and avoiding pain."

"Explain the conflict described in Freud's structural model of the mind."

"Freud's structural model describes dynamic conflicts within and between the structures of the mind (conscious, preconscious, and unconscious) that lead to psychopathology."

"What are the three phases of Freud's work?"

"The three phases of Freud's work include the affect-trauma model, the instinctual drives model, and the structural model."

"Describe the Id in psychodynamic theory."

"The Id represents basic needs, sexual and aggressive drives, and operates on the pleasure principle, seeking immediate gratification."

"Explain the role of the Ego in the psyche."

"The Ego mediates between the Id, the Superego, and reality, employing rationality, reality testing, perception, memory, thinking, and language to organize mental processes."

"Define the Superego and its functions."

"The Superego embodies ideal aspirations, moral commands, and prohibitions, serving as the conscience and representing internalized societal standards."

"How do the Id, Ego, and Superego interact in personality development?"

"These three parts of the psyche are in constant conflict, with the strength of each influencing personality traits and behaviors."

"What happens when the Superego is too strong?"

"A person with a strong Superego may be perceived as rigid, anxious, or self-righteous."

"What are the consequences of a dominant Id?"

"An overly strong Id can lead to behaviors that are out of control, dysregulated, or destructive."

"Explain the concept of anxiety in psychodynamic theory."

"Anxiety arises when the Ego cannot cope with demands from reality, the Id, and the Superego, leading to feelings of distress."

"Describe realistic anxiety as identified by Freud."

"Realistic anxiety is related to fear and is characterized by an unpleasant feeling involving real danger."

"What is moral anxiety?"

"Moral anxiety stems from threats posed by the Superego, often related to feelings of guilt or shame."

"Define neurotic anxiety."

"Neurotic anxiety is the fear of being overwhelmed by impulses from the Id, leading to a fear of losing control."

"What are defense mechanisms in psychodynamic theory?"

"Defense mechanisms are unconscious responses to conflict aimed at reducing psychic tension and making threats more bearable."

"Explain the defense mechanism of projection."

"Projection involves denying unacceptable feelings in oneself and attributing them to others, such as claiming others harbor negative feelings."

"Describe regression as a defense mechanism."

"Regression is the act of reverting to earlier psychological states or behaviors, such as crying when stressed."

"What is displacement in the context of defense mechanisms?"

"Displacement involves satisfying an emotional need with a substitute object, like yelling at a child when frustrated with a boss."

"Define sublimation as a defense mechanism."

"Sublimation is the process of channeling unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable activities, such as using boxing for anger management."

"What is splitting in psychological terms?"

"Splitting refers to the inability to integrate contradictory qualities of the same object, often leading to black-and-white thinking."

"What are the therapeutic aims of psychodynamic practice?"

"Therapeutic aims include understanding inner conflicts, managing them, reducing the influence of the Superego, and increasing the Ego's capacity for emotional tolerance."

"How do boundaries function in a therapeutic relationship?"

"Boundaries help define acceptable limits, set expectations, and create a structured environment that fosters trust and respect without friendship."

"What is the significance of the therapeutic relationship in psychodynamic therapy?"

"The therapeutic relationship is the most important tool for a psychodynamic therapist, facilitating understanding and healing of the client's inner conflicts."

"Describe the therapeutic alliance in the context of therapy."

"The therapeutic alliance is a microcosm where the client's lived reality can be expressed and explored, allowing their issues to be manifested for examination."

"Explain the concept of transference in therapy."

"Transference involves the client projecting feelings, impulses, and defenses onto the therapist that were originally associated with significant figures from their early life."

"How can transference manifest in a therapeutic setting?"

"Transference can manifest when a client seeks constant approval from the therapist due to past rejections from parental figures or when they transfer difficult feelings towards authority figures onto the therapist."

"Define countertransference and its significance in therapy."

"Countertransference refers to the therapist's emotional responses to the client, which can provide valuable insights into the client's relationship style and inner life."

"What are Freud's key components of therapeutic style?"

"Freud emphasized an analytic attitude characterized by abstinence, anonymity, and neutrality."

"Explain the role of the unconscious mind in psychodynamics."

"The unconscious mind is a powerful driver of human behavior and emotion, suggesting that no behavior is without cause and all behavior is determined."

"Discuss the importance of childhood experiences in psychodynamics."

"Childhood experiences significantly influence adult thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, with a particular emphasis on the pre-Oedipal period."

"What is psychic determinism in the context of behavior?"

"Psychic determinism is the concept that all behavior is determined by underlying psychological factors, meaning no behavior occurs without a cause."

"How does countertransference help therapists understand clients?"

"Countertransference can help therapists understand clients' transference communications, as the emotions aroused in the therapist may reveal deeper insights into the client's issues."

"Identify a criticism of psychodynamic theory."

"Criticisms of psychodynamic theory often focus on its lack of empirical support and the difficulty in scientifically validating its concepts."