Psychoanalytic Theory

Psychoanalysis

A therapeutic approach founded by Sigmund Freud focusing on exploring the unconscious mind.

Reality Principle

The principle that mediates between the desires of the id and the constraints of the external world.

Pleasure Principle

A driving force of the id that seeks immediate gratification of desires.

Oedipus Complex

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

Defense Mechanisms

Psychological strategies used by the ego to protect itself from anxiety and maintain self-image.

Sublimation

A defense mechanism that involves channeling unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable behaviors.

Transference

The phenomenon where clients project feelings about significant others onto their therapist.

Resistance

Any behavior that opposes the progress of therapy and hinders exploration of unconscious material.

Fixation

A condition in which an individual's libidinal energy remains focused on a particular psychosexual stage.

Libido

The life force or energy associated with the pleasure-seeking drives of the id.

Death Drive (Thanatos)

The drive towards aggression and self-destruction, opposing the life drive (Eros).

Repression

The unconscious blocking of unwanted or distressing thoughts and memories from awareness.

Ego

The rational part of the personality that mediates between the desires of the id and the demands of reality.

Superego

The moral component of personality that internalizes societal values and standards.

Freudian Slip

An unintentional error in speech that is thought to reveal unconscious feelings.

Dream Analysis

A technique in psychoanalysis where dreams are interpreted to uncover unconscious desires and thoughts.

Erikson's Psychosocial Stages

A theory that outlines eight stages of development, each characterized by a psychological crisis.

Neurotic Anxiety

An unconscious worry about losing control of the id’s urges and being punished for it.

Catharsis

The process of releasing intense emotions, often used in therapeutic settings.

Latency Stage

A stage in psychosexual development (ages 6-12) characterized by the absence of sexual feelings.

Phallic Stage

A stage in psychosexual development (ages 3-6) when children experience sexual feelings and rivalry.