Psychology Approaches: Psychodynamic approach (1)

What is the assumption of the psychodynamic approch?

It assumes early childhood experiences hsape adult personlaity and behaviour through unresolved conflicts and fixations

Forms the foundation of Freuds explanation for adult mental health problems

What does fixation mean in the psychodynamic approch?

Becoming psychologically stuck at a psychosexual stage due to over or under gratification

Explains adult habits and personality traits

What is an example of oral fixation?

Smoking, overeacting, nail bititing, sarcasm , neediness

Show show early feeeding experiences influence adult behaviour

What causes defence mechanisms?

Unresolved childhood conflict or anxiety that the ego cannot manage directly

Explains irrational or protective behaviours

What is the unconcious mind?

A hiffen part of the mid containing repressed memories, desires adn unresolved conflict

Central to Freuds explanation of behaviour ouside awarness

What is the iceberg metaphor?

Unconscious mid is the small visible tip, unconcious is the large hidden mass

Illistrates how most mental activity is unconcious

How do unconscious thoughts reveal themselves?

Through dreams, Freudian slips (error in speech / action / memory), and defence mechanisms

Shows how hidden coflicts influences behaviour

What is the conscious mind?

The part of the mid we are aware of - thoughts and perceptions

Represents the smallest part of mental functioning

What is the preconscious mind?

Material just below awarness, including memories, dreams and slips

Acts as a bridge between unconscious and conscious processes

what is a Freudian slip?

An accidental speech error revealing true, repressed feelings

Evidence for unconscious influence on behaviour

What is the Id?

The instinctive , pleasure seeking part of personality present from birth

Explains impulsive and biological drives

What principle does the Id operate on?

The plesure principle - seeking immediate gratification

Drives early behaviour and urges

What is the Ego?

The rational part of personality that mediates between Id and Superego

Maintains psychological balance

What principle does the ego operate on?

The reality principle - considering what is realistic and acceptable

Prevents harmful or impulsive behaviour

What is the superego?

The moral part of personality, internalising parental rules (laws and authority)

Produces guilt , shame and moral judgement

What does the superego operate on?

The morality principle — enforcing right and wrong

Explains moral behaviour and self criticism

How do the ID ego adn super ego interact?

They work together but often conflict with the ego mediating

Explains internal psychological conflict

What is teh purpose of defence mechanisms in the psychodynamic approch?

To protect the individual from anxiety by managing conflict between Id and super ego

Shows how the Ego prevents psychological overwhelm

Why are defence mechanisms unconscious ?

They operate automatically without awareness

Supporting Freuds claim that hidden processes shape behaviour

Why are defence mechanisms unhealthy long term?

They offer temporary relief but prevent confronting real problems

Explains how unresolved conflicts leads to dysfunction

What is displacment?

Redirecting strong emotions onto safer a target

Shows unconscious conflict distorts behaviour

What is an example of displacmnet?

Shouting at children instead of a boss

Demonstrates misdirected emotional expression

What is repression?

Pushing distressing memories or feelings into the unconcious

EXplains memory gaps and hidden trama

What is an example of repression>

Having no memory of being bullied

Shows how the mid protects itself from pain

What is denial ?

Refusing to accept reality to avoid distress

Explains unrelistic or over positive self presentation

Whats an example of denial ?

Insisting a partner isnt stealing despite evidence

Shows how denial distorts reality