6.02 psychodynamic and humanistic theories

1. conscious

2. preconscious

3. unconscious

what is the psychodynamic structure of the mind?

freud

believed that unconscious processes such as unresolved conflicts from childhood or represses memories shape personality development and behavior.

components of the psyche

1. id

2. superego

3. ego

id

seeks immediate gratification of basic needs and desires, such as hunger, thirst, and sexual impulses without regard for morality or consequences.

ego

operates on the reality principle and serves as the mediator between the demands of the id, the constraints of reality, and the moral standards of the superego. Seeks to satisfy id’s desires in socially acceptable ways.

superego

represents the internalized moral standards and values of society, as well as the individual’s parents or caregivers. It operates on the morality principle and strives for perfection, enforcing moral standards and ideals through feelings of guilt, shame, and pride.

conscience

punishes the individual for violating moral standards

ego-ideal

rewards the individual for conforming to these standards.

ego defense mechanisms

unconscious psychological strategies that individuals use to cope with anxiety and protect the ego from unpleasant feelings or thoughts.

1. denial

2. displacement

3. projection

4. rationalization

5. reaction formation

6. regression

7. repression

8. sublimation

denial

involves refusing to accept reality or the truth of a situation to avoid anxiety or distress.

displacement

involves redirecting one’s impulses or emotions from their original, threatening source towards a less threatening target.

projection

involves attributing one’s own unacceptable thoughts, feeling, or motives to others.

rationalization

involves creating logical explanations or justifications for behavior, thoughts, or feelings that are otherwise unacceptable.

reaction formation

involves expressing feelings or impulses that are the opposite of one’s true feelings or impulses.

regression

involves reverting to earlier, more primitive stages of behavior in response to stress or anxiety.

repression

involves pushing distressing or threatening thoughts, memories, or impulses out of conscious awareness.

sublimation

involves channeling unacceptable impulses or energies into socially acceptable activities or outlets.

projective tests

based on the ideas that individuals will project their unconscious thoughts, feelings, and conflicts onto ambiguous stimuli, such as images or situations.

1. administration

2. response

3. interpretation

4. feedback

humanistic psychology

emphasizes the inherent worth and potential of each individual and highlights the importance of subjective feelings and experiences in shaping personality.

self-actualization

the realization of one’s full potential and the pursuit of personal growth and fulfillment.

self-concept

the subjective perception and evaluation of oneself.

1. the real self

2. the ideal self

real self

represents the person’s actual thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

ideal self

represents the person’s aspirations, goals, and values.

conditional regard

refers to the experience of love, approval, and acceptance that is contingent upon meeting certain conditions or standards set by others, such as parents, caregivers, or society.

unconditional positive regard

involves accepting and valuing individuals for who they are, without judgement or expectation.

humanistic theory personality assessments

1. self-report questionnaires

2. interviews

3. life history analysis

4. observational methods

self report questionnaires

can be used to gather information about individuals’ subjective experiences, attitudes, and values. explore self-concept, personal values, life satisfaction, and existential concerns.

interviews

explore individual’s subjective experiences, emotions, motivations, and personal narratives.

life history analysis

significant life events, relationships, achievements, and challenges.

observational methods

participant observation or naturalistic observation may be used to gain insights into individuals’ behavior, interactions, and expressions of self.