The psychodynamic approach

The tripartite personality:

Id = the pleasure principle that demands immediate gratification. They are in conflict with the Superego.

Ego = the reality principle, it resolves the conflict between the Id and the Superego through defence mechanisms. Formed during the first 3 years of life.

Superego = the morality principle that contains your sense of right and wrong, this is in conflict with the Id.

The psychosexual stages:

1. Oral - 0-1 years → oral fixation

2. Anal - 1-3 years → perfectionist (anal retentive) or messy (anal expulsive)

3. Phallic - 3-6 years → narcissistic (oedipus + electra complex)

4. Latency - conflicts are repressed

5. Genital - sexual desires awake in puberty → difficulty forming hetero-relationships

Not scientific

Unfalsifiable. Not open to empirical testing. All ideas based on subjective assumption. Low internal validity.

Real-world application

Introduced the idea of psychotherapy and childhood effects adulthood. Highlights the importance of psychological processes in mental disorders.

Research support (invalid?)

Little Hans. Based on qualitative data from case studies (not able to replicate). Low generalisability, population validity and reliability.