Introduction to Sigmund Freud and Psychoanalysis

These flashcards cover key concepts related to Sigmund Freud and his theories on psychoanalysis, including the structure of the psyche, defense mechanisms, psychosexual development stages, and therapeutic techniques.

Psychoanalysis

A therapeutic technique and theory developed by Sigmund Freud to study the unconscious mind and treat mental disorders.

Topographical Model of the Mind

A model proposed by Freud that categorizes the mind into three levels: conscious, preconscious, and unconscious.

Conscious

The part of the mind that contains thoughts and feelings that we are currently aware of.

Preconscious

The level of the mind where thoughts and feelings can be brought into conscious awareness.

Unconscious

The part of the mind that contains repressed memories and desires that are not accessible to consciousness.

Freudian Slip

An error in speech or memory that is interpreted as revealing an unconscious belief or wish.

Manifest Dream

The actual literal subject matter or narrative recalled by the dreamer.

Latent Dream

The underlying meaning of the dream, represented by symbols and desires.

Dream Interpretation

The analysis of dreams to uncover the latent content and unconscious desires.

Condensation

A process in dream formation where multiple ideas are combined into a single symbol.

Displacement

A defense mechanism where emotional energy is redirected from a threatening object to a less threatening one.

Symbolic Representation

The use of symbols to represent complex ideas and desires in dreams.

Id

The primal, instinctual part of the mind that operates on the pleasure principle and seeks immediate gratification.

Ego

The rational part of the mind that mediates between the id, reality, and the superego.

Superego

The moral conscience that internalizes societal standards and expectations.

Live Drive

Also known as libido, it represents the life instinct and sexual drives.

Death Drive

Also called Thanatos, it refers to the instinct toward aggression and self-destruction.

Free Association

A therapeutic technique where patients express thoughts and feelings freely to access the unconscious.

Transference

A phenomenon where patients project feelings about important figures in their lives onto the therapist.

Libidinal Transference

Transference characterized by desire and affection toward the therapist.

Aggressive Transference

Transference involving hostility or aggression projected onto the therapist.

Transference Neurosis

The re-experiencing of unresolved conflicts within the therapeutic relationship.

Self-Object Transference

Transference where the therapist is perceived as an extension of the patient's self.

Transference Psychosis

A heightened state of transference where the patient loses touch with reality.

Narcissistic Transference

Transference that reflects unresolved issues from a patient’s narcissistic development.

Countertransference

The therapist's emotional reaction to the patient, stemming from the therapist's own unconscious.

Displacement Mechanism

Emotional energy transferred from one object to another to reduce anxiety.

Projection

Attributing one’s own unacceptable qualities or feelings to others.

Projective Identification

A process where the projector's emotions or characteristics are evoked in the other person.

Psychosexual Development

Freud's theory that personality and behavior are influenced by childhood sexual experiences.

Oral Stage

The first stage in psychosexual development, focusing on oral stimulation and dependency.

Anal Stage

The second stage of psychosexual development, centered around bowel control and independence.

Phallic Stage

The third stage of psychosexual development characterized by the Oedipus complex.

Latency Stage

The fourth stage where sexual feelings are repressed, focusing on social interactions.

Genital Stage

The final stage of psychosexual development, involving mature sexual intimacy.

Fixation

An unresolved conflict in a psychosexual stage that can lead to personality traits in adulthood.

Reality Principle

The regulation of thoughts and behavior by the ego to satisfy the id's desires in socially acceptable ways.

Pleasure Principle

The immediate gratification of desires and avoidance of pain, dominating the id.

Ego Ideal

A component of the superego that represents the ideal self and moral standards.

Moral Conscience

The part of the superego that enforces ethical standards and induces guilt.

Oedipus Complex

A child's feelings of desire for the opposite-sex parent and rivalry with the same-sex parent.

Repression

A defense mechanism that blocks emotional impulses or memories from entering consciousness.

Identification

The incorporation of traits and qualities from the same-sex parent into one's personality.

Transitional Object

A physical item used by a child to provide comfort and a sense of security.

Ambivalence

Coexistence of opposing emotions or thoughts towards the same object or person.

Neurosis

A psychological condition characterized by anxiety and obsessive behaviors rooted in unresolved conflicts.

Cathexis

The investment of mental energy in an object, thought, or desire.

Self-Representations

Mental images or concepts of oneself based on past experiences and interactions.

Empathy

The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

Interpersonal Enactments

The dynamic interactions between therapist and patient reflecting past relationships.

Complex

A cluster of emotions, memories, and wishes surrounding a particular theme or experience.

Narcissistic Dynamics

Patterns of behavior characterized by self-centeredness and an exaggerated sense of self-importance.

Self-Coalescence

The process by which different aspects of the self are integrated into a cohesive identity.

Psychic Reality

The subjective experience of an individual that shapes their interpretations of the world.

Reflective Functioning

The capacity to understand one's own mental processes and those of others.

Defense Mechanism

Unconscious strategies used by the ego to protect itself from anxiety or conflict.

Adult Identity

The integrated sense of self that emerges from the successful navigation of psychosexual stages.

Infantile Neurosis

Early psychological conflicts that continue to influence adult behavior and relationships.

Socialization

The process through which individuals learn and internalize societal norms and values.

Dependency

A state of relying on another for emotional or practical support.

Integration

The process of combining different aspects of self into a cohesive whole.

Culture

The shared beliefs, practices, and values that shape social behavior.

Attachment Theory

A psychological model describing the dynamics of long-term interpersonal relationships.

Congruence

The alignment between a person's sense of self and their experiences.

Disintegration

A breakdown of self-identity, often during periods of crisis or significant change.

Insulation

A defense mechanism where emotions are detached from the individual to avoid distress.

Conflict

A struggle between opposing desires or needs within an individual.

Ambiguous Loss

A type of loss that is unresolved and lacks closure, affecting coping mechanisms.

Unconscious Conflict

A struggle between desires and morals that occurs without awareness.

Therapeutic Alliance

The collaborative relationship between therapist and patient, crucial for effective treatment.

Self-Awareness

The conscious knowledge of one's own character, feelings, motives, and desires.

Introspection

The examination of one's own thoughts and feelings.

Positive Transference

Favorable feelings a patient projects onto the therapist, often based on past relationships.

Negative Transference

Unfavorable feelings a patient projects onto the therapist, revealing underlying issues.

Interpersonal Relationships

The connections and interactions between individuals, influenced by psychological dynamics.

Understanding

The ability to interpret and make sense of experiences, emotions, and behaviors.

Independence

The ability to function autonomously and make choices without reliance on others.