The Psychodynamic Approach

Psychodynamic Approach

Developed by Freud, it emphasises the active nature of mental processes and their role in shaping personality and behavior.

Levels of Consciousness

Conscious (awareness at any given time), Preconscious (memories that can be recalled), Unconscious (memories, desires, and fears causing extreme anxiety).

Parts of the Personality

Id (innate instincts), Ego (rational part balancing id and superego), Superego (moral considerations).

Defense Mechanisms

Repression (stopping unwanted thoughts), Denial (ignoring threatening events), Displacement (redirecting negative impulses).

Psychosexual Development

Oral, Anal, Phallic, Latent, Genital stages focusing on pleasure through body parts.

Case Study example

Freud conducted studies like Little Hans to reveal conflicts in the unconscious mind.

Strengths of Psychodynamic Approach

Focuses on psychological causes of disorders, emphasises early childhood experiences, offers therapy methods.

Weaknesses of Psychodynamic Approach

Relies on subjective interpretations, theories related to the unconscious mind are unfalsifiable, psychoanalysis may be time-consuming and emotionally distressing.