Neo-Freudian & Projective Tests

Neo-Freudians

Pioneering psychoanalysts that accepted Freud’s basic ideas

Carl Jung

Early follower of Freud, established rival theoretical perspective

* Believed all people shared an unconscious collective
* Deepest and most inaccessible layer of the psyche

Collective Unconscious

The common collection of images that we have gained together as human beings from our ancestral and evolutionary past

Archetype

Major structural components of the collective unconscious, universal pattern or predispositions that structure how all humans consciously and unconsciously adapt to their world

* Evidence is found in myths, dreams, and universal symbols

Persona

“The mask we wear” -- the socially acceptable mask or front the person presents to the world, highly conscious creation

* Built on conscious patterns concerning how a good “actor” presents an appropriate mask and role to the world
* Hides or disguises the true self to the world

Anima

The hidden, feminine side of a man, based on men’s collective experiences w/ women overtime

Animus

The hidden, masculine side of women

Shadow

Animal side of our personality, part of the unconscious mind

* Repressed ideas, weaknesses, desires, instincts, and shortcomings.
* You are aware of this shadow

Alfred Adler

Emphasized social interest as the primary determinant of behavior

* Believed people strive for superiority to be altruistic, cooperative, creative, unique, aware, and interested in social welfare
* People compensate for inferiority complexes based on inadequacies
* Birth order is important

Karen Horney

Feminist perspective to psychoanalytic theory, attacked male bias in Freud’s work

* Males and females are envious of attributes of the other sex, women are envious of male societal status.

Projective Test

Personality tests that provide ambiguous stimuli and test takers tell a story about it

* Reliable at uncovering unconscious personality traits and features
* Poor reliability and validity, lacking scientific backing

Thematic Apperception Test

TAT -- Projective test in which people express their inner feelings and interests through the stories they make up

* Consist of 30 cards (including a blank card) depicting ambiguous drawings
* May presume any hopes, desires, and fears are projections of their own inner feelings

Rorschach Inkblot Test

The most widely used projective test

* Set of 10 inkblots
* Participants are shown the inkblots and are asked what each one looks like
* Can examine personality characteristics and emotional functional, and is thought to measure unconscious attitudes and motivations

Modern Unconscious Mind

Current research confirms that we do not have full access to all that goes on in our mind, but the current view of the unconscious is not that of a hidden storehouse

Neuroscience has shown that major brain structures essential for forming conscious memories