Psychoanalysis and Freud's Influence

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts from the lecture on psychoanalysis and Freud's contributions.

Psychoanalysis

A system of psychology that emphasizes the role of the unconscious mind in human behavior, primarily developed by Sigmund Freud.

Unconscious

A part of the mind that is not accessible to conscious awareness but influences thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Suppression

The act of consciously blocking unacceptable thoughts or desires from entering awareness.

Projection

A defense mechanism where an individual attributes their own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to someone else.

Freudian Theory

The psychoanalytic theory developed by Sigmund Freud, focusing on the influence of the unconscious mind and childhood experiences on behavior.

Libido

Freud's concept of sexual energy or instinct that drives human behavior.

Cathartic Method

An early psychoanalytic technique used by Freud and Breuer to release repressed emotions through talking.

Oedipus Complex

A Freudian theory where a child has unconscious desires for the opposite-sex parent and rivalry with the same-sex parent.

Ego

The rational part of the personality that mediates between the desires of the id and the constraints of reality.

Super-Ego

The moral component of personality that internalizes societal rules and standards.

Thanatos

Freud's term for the death instinct, representing the drive towards destruction and aggression.

Sublimation

A process where socially unacceptable impulses are channeled into acceptable activities.

Defense Mechanisms

Psychological strategies used by individuals to manage anxiety and protect the self from uncomfortable emotions.

Transference

The phenomenon where clients project feelings and attitudes onto the therapist, based on past experiences.

Dream Interpretation

A psychoanalytic technique used by Freud to uncover the unconscious meanings behind dreams.

Fallacy of empirical evidence

The misleading assumption that scientific validation is essential for psychoanalytic concepts.