Freud's Psychoanalysis and Personality Theory

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to Freud's theory of psychoanalysis, the components of personality, defence mechanisms, psychosexual stages, and critiques of Freud's theories.

Personality

Individual’s unique characteristic patterns of behaving, thinking, feeling.

Psychoanalysis

A personality theory and therapeutic approach that assumes psychic determinism, where every thought, idea, feeling, or behavior has a cause.

Levels of Awareness

Conscious, preconscious, and unconscious states of mind that influence thoughts and behaviors.

ID

The component of personality present at birth; operates on the pleasure principle seeking immediate gratification.

Ego

The rational component of personality that operates on the reality principle, mediating between the id and the external world.

Superego

The moral component of personality that provides ethical standards and social rules, consisting of conscience and ego ideal.

Defence Mechanisms

Psychological strategies used by the ego to protect against anxiety and to maintain self-esteem.

Repression

A defence mechanism that blocks painful or threatening memories from consciousness.

Projection

A defence mechanism that attributes undesirable thoughts or feelings to others.

Denial

A defence mechanism that refuses to acknowledge the existence of danger or threatening conditions.

Oral Stage

The first psychosexual stage, occurring from birth to 18 months, where the mouth is the primary source of pleasure.

Anal Stage

The psychosexual stage from 18 months to 3 years focused on toilet training and the pleasure derived from managing bowel control.

Phallic Stage

The psychosexual stage from ages 3 to 6 characterized by sexual attraction to the opposite-sex parent and rivalry with the same-sex parent.

Latency Period

A phase of psychosexual development from 6 years to puberty where sexual feelings are repressed.

Genital Stage

The final psychosexual stage starting from puberty where mature sexual intimacy is sought.

Fixation

Arrested development at a psychosexual stage due to unresolved conflicts.

Inferiority Complex

Excessive feelings of inferiority that hinder personal development.

Collective Unconscious

A concept by Carl Jung representing the shared, universal experiences of humanity.

Coping Style

Refers to the different approaches individuals use to deal with anxiety arising from early relationships.

Tyranny of the Should

Unrealistic demands for personal perfection that create stress and dissatisfaction in individuals.