The psychodynamic approach

What is the literal meaning of psychodynamic?

Any theory that emphasises change and development in an individual

What is the best known psychodynamic theory?

Freudian psychoanalysis

What is the literal meaning of psychodynamic?

Any theory that emphasises change and development in an individual

What is the best known psychodynamic theory?

Freudian psychoanalysis

The unconscious

Freud believed that people were born with basic instincts and that behaviour was largely controlled by the unconscious mind.

Unconscious mind analogy

Freud used the metaphor of an iceberg to describe the mind, the tip of the iceberg being visible (conscious) and the much larger part being hidden under water (unconscious)

The role of the unconscious

Freud believed that most behaviour was controlled by the unconscious mind.

This unconscious mind revealed itself in “Freudian slips”.

Freud believed that the unconscious mind actively prevented trauma from reaching conscious awareness through defence mechanisms.

What are defence mechanisms?

If an individual is faced with a situation that is difficult to deal with, their defence mechanisms may be triggered.

Defence mechanisms operate unconsciously and work by distorting reality so that anxiety is reduced.

Examples of defence mechanisms

Repression - the unconscious blocking of unacceptable thoughts and impulses (e.g forgetting traumatic memories). This influence behaviour without the individual being aware of this.

Denial - the refusal to accept reality in order to avoid painful feelings associated with the event.

Displacement - the redirecting of thoughts and feelings towards an innocent victim or inanimate object rather than who they should be directed towards.

What is the Freudian structure of personality?

Three structures of the mind -

1. The id

2. The ego

3. The superego

Function of the id

The id (pleasure principle) is completely unconscious. It demands immediate gratification regardless of circumstances.

What is the function of the ego?

The ego (reality principle) compromises between the impulsive demands of the id and the moralistic demands of the superego and the reality of the external world.

What is the function of the superego?

Divided into the conscience and the ego-ideal.

The conscience is the internalisation of societal rules. It determines which behaviours are permissible and causes feelings of guilt when rules are broken.

The ego-ideal is what a person strives towards, determined by good behaviour.

What are the psychosexual stages?

Freud believed that personality developed through 5 stages:

Oral (0-2 years) - child experiences sexual energy and sensation through the mouth

Anal (2-3 years) - toilet training

Phallic (3-6 years) - sexual energy focused on the genitals. Beginning of Oedipus complex

Latent (6-12 years) - children are unable to remember much of their early years

Genital (12+) - start of being directed towards sexual intercourse and adult life

What is the Oedipus complex?

When a male unconsciously desires to posses their mother and get rid of their father

Positive evaluation

Was a massive shift in psychological thinking - suggested new methods of gaining evidence (case studies), was based on observation of behaviour rather than relying on introspection

Let to new scientific treatments

Psychoanalysis can be used to explain many other aspects of human behaviour outside of psychology

Evidence has proven that unconscious motivation for human behaviour and defence mechanisms exist

Some aspects still used today

Negative evaluation

Gender biased approach - this approach dismisses the entire female population. Freud had ignorant views on female sexuality

Culture biased approach - many non-Western cultures believe it is best to avoid thoughts that cause distress rather than being willing to discuss them openly

Victorian ideas - outdated views in general