Assumptions

Psychodynamic approach

One of the oldest approaches in psychology suggesting that mental illnesses are caused by childhood experiences rather than biological issues.

Sigmund Freud

Main psychologist associated with the psychodynamic approach, known for his theories concerning the unconscious mind and childhood development.

Psychosexual stages

Five stages that children go through, according to Freud, that shape their adult personality: Oral, Anal, Phallic, Latency, Genital.

Oedipus complex

A theory proposed by Freud that describes a boy's feelings of jealousy towards his father and attraction to his mother during the phallic stage.

Electra complex

A theory similar to the Oedipus complex, but describing a girl's feelings of penis envy and attraction to her father while blaming her mother.

Castration anxiety

Fear in boys during the phallic stage that their father will castrate them for their feelings towards their mother.

Unconscious mind

Part of the mind that Freud believed significantly influences behavior, representing thoughts and memories not readily accessible to consciousness.

Defense mechanisms

Psychological strategies used to protect the ego from anxiety and unresolved conflicts, including repression, denial, and projection.

Regression

A defense mechanism where individuals revert to earlier developmental stages in response to stress.

Repression

A defense mechanism involving the inhibition of unpleasant thoughts or feelings to maintain a positive self-image.

Displacement

A defense mechanism that involves transferring feelings of anger or frustration from one target to another.

Projection

A defense mechanism where individuals attribute their thoughts or feelings to others, either consciously or unconsciously.

Denial

A defense mechanism that involves refusing to accept reality or facts to avoid anxiety.

Id

The part of the personality that operates on the pleasure principle, seeking immediate gratification, and is present from birth.

Ego

The part of the personality that operates on the reality principle, mediating between the id and the superego, developing around age 2.

Superego

The part of the personality that functions based on the morality principle, representing internalized ideals and norms, developing at around age 4.

Tripartite personality

Freud's model of the adult personality structured into three parts: id, ego, and superego, each developing at different life stages.