Key Concepts of Freud's Psychological Theories

A collection of flashcards covering essential vocabulary and concepts from Freud's theories in psychology.

Psychoanalysis

A grand theory developed by Freud explaining behavior, dreams, mental illness, love, and religion.

Unconscious Motivation

The idea that people often do not know the real reasons behind their actions.

Id

The part of the mind present at birth that operates on the pleasure principle, seeking immediate gratification.

Ego

Develops later in life, operating on the reality principle, balancing desires with real-world constraints.

Superego

The part of the mind that internalizes moral rules from parents and society, enforcing guilt and shame.

Oedipus Complex

A Freudian concept where a boy desires his mother and sees his father as a rival.

Electra Complex

A Freudian theory where a girl feels 'castrated' upon realizing she lacks a penis and identifies with her father.

Defense Mechanisms

Unconscious strategies used to reduce anxiety stemming from conflict between the id and superego.

Repression

A defense mechanism involving pushing painful thoughts out of awareness.

Projection

A defense mechanism where an individual attributes their own unacceptable feelings to others.

Displacement

Redirecting emotions to a safer target, such as kicking a dog instead of yelling at a boss.

Rationalization

Making excuses for behavior to justify actions or feelings.

Manifest Content

The actual dream that one remembers upon waking.

Latent Content

The hidden, unconscious meaning of a dream, often relating to wish fulfillment.

Implicit Bias

Unconscious prejudices that affect behavior in subtle ways.

Priming Effects

Subliminal cues that can change attitudes and behaviors without conscious awareness.

Cognitive Dissonance

The psychological discomfort experienced when holding two conflicting beliefs, leading to justification of actions.