Sigmund Freud and Psychodynamic Theory

Flashcards covering Sigmund Freud's Psychodynamic Theory, including the Id, Ego, Superego, defense mechanisms, and related concepts.

What are the three parts of the personality according to Freud's psychodynamic theory?

Id, Ego, and Superego

What is the main idea behind Freud's psychodynamic theory?

Different parts of the mind are in conflict with each other, wanting different things.

What does 'psychodynamic' mean?

"Mind energy" or "mind in conflict"

Where did Freud practice as a doctor?

Vienna, Austria

What are the three levels of mind awareness according to Freud?

Conscious, Preconscious (Subconscious), and Unconscious

What does the conscious mind include?

Thoughts and perceptions we are aware of and have control over.

What does the preconscious mind include?

Thoughts and perceptions we are occasionally aware of and memories which can be recalled.

What does the unconscious mind include?

Repressed childhood memories, instincts, desires, fears, and dreams.

What is the 'pleasure principle' and which part of the personality does it describe?

The ID. It seeks instant gratification and exists in the unconscious mind.

What is the 'reality principle' and which part of the personality is it associated with?

The Ego. It operates in the conscious mind and mediates between the ID and Superego.

What is the 'morality principle' and which part of the personality is it associated with?

The Superego. It represents the morals and values of society and exists in the conscious and unconscious mind.

What are the two instincts that the ID consists of?

Eros (life instinct) and Thanatos (death instinct)

What is the role of the Ego in relation to the Id and Superego?

Mediator; it uses defense mechanisms to reduce conflict between the ID and Superego.

What is repression (as a defense mechanism)?

Unconsciously placing uncomfortable thoughts in inaccessible areas of the unconscious mind.

What is denial (as a defense mechanism)?

Blocking external events from awareness, refusing to admit that ID instincts are real.

What is sublimation (as a defense mechanism)?

Transforming unacceptable ID instincts into something socially acceptable, e.g., boxing to relieve aggression.

What is displacement (as a defense mechanism)?

Redirecting an impulse (e.g., aggression) onto a powerless substitute.

What is projection (as a defense mechanism)?

Attributing one's own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, and motives to another person.

What is catharsis?

The process of releasing negative energy in the mind.

What is the purpose of catharsis?

To relieve the conflicts of the unconscious mind and symptoms of distress, anger, and anxiety.

What is ego strength?

The ability to function normally despite the conflict between the ID, Ego, and Superego.

What does the Eros (life) instinct consist of?

Procreation, social cooperation, and survival.

What does the Thanatos (death) instinct consist of?

Aggression, risky behaviour, and reliving trauma.

Why might young children display tantrums, according to Freud?

Because the ego and superego are underdeveloped and they cannot distinguish between right and wrong.

According to Freud, what does aggressive behavior stem from?

The ID is dominant over the Ego and Superego.

What is Freud's view on how aggressive impulses are handled?

Through defense mechanisms redirecting them into 'safer' activities, or through catharsis by 'releasing' aggressive energy.

What are the key criteria to evaluate theories?

Strengths, Credibility, Objections, Differences, and Application (SCODA)

What are the key issues and debates to evaluate theories?

Gender and culture, ethics, nature v nurture, decades (time), application, ecological validity (practical issues), themes, reductionism, science, social control, socially-sensitive research

What is unfalsifiable theory?

It can neither be proved true or refuted

What is a scientific research must use?

Falsifiability through systematic investigation