Freud's Psychoanalytic Theory

What is free association in psychoanalysis?

A therapeutic technique where patients report any thoughts occurring to them without restrictions.

What did Freud believe about actions and thoughts?

Freud believed there is a definite force controlling all actions and that nothing we do is accidental.

What is resistance in psychoanalysis?

When a patient is unwilling to disclose painful memories.

What is the unconscious according to Freud?

The depository of hidden wishes, needs, and conflicts of which the person is unaware.

What did Freud assert about dreams?

Dreams are the royal road to the unconscious.

What is dream analysis?

A psychoanalytic technique used to interpret the symbols in dreams to discover hidden meanings.

What are the three parts of mental life in Freud's theory?

Conscious, preconscious, and unconscious.

What are the two main instincts that motivate us according to Freud?

Life instincts and death instincts.

What is libido in Freud's theory?

Originally referred to sexual instincts, later defined as the psychic and pleasurable gratification of life instincts.

What does the id represent in Freud's structural theory of personality?

The pleasure principle, seeking immediate gratification of unconscious sexual and aggressive instincts.

What is the role of the ego in personality?

The executive functioning that balances the needs of the id and the demands of the superego.

What does the superego strive for?

Perfectionism and internalization of societal values for moral guidance.

What is neurotic anxiety?

Fear that one's instincts or desires will lead to actions they may regret.

What are Freud's five psychosexual phases of development?

Oral, anal, phallic, latency, and genital phases.

What is fixation according to Freud?

Defensive attachment to an earlier stage due to a traumatic experience in that stage.

What are some characteristics of an oral personality?

Pessimism or optimism, suspiciousness or gullibility, self-belittlement or cockiness.

What is repression in defense mechanisms?

Unconsciously banishing painful memories from consciousness.

How does suppression differ from repression?

Suppression is an active and conscious attempt to stop anxiety-provoking thoughts.

What is denial in the context of defense mechanisms?

Refusal to perceive an unpleasant event in reality.

What is displacement as a defense mechanism?

Unconsciously redirecting anger onto substitute objects or people.

What is sublimation?

A form of displacement where anger is redirected onto socially acceptable outlets.

What characterizes regression in defense mechanisms?

Movement from mature behavior to immature behavior.

What is projection in the context of defense mechanisms?

Attributing our own undesirable characteristics onto others.