L29 Freudian theories

Flashcards covering key concepts in Freud's psychoanalytic theory, including terminology, definitions, and criticisms.

Psychoanalysis

A therapeutic approach founded by Freud that focuses on the unconscious mind and the influence of childhood experiences on behavior.

Defense Mechanisms

Psychological strategies used to cope with anxiety and maintain self-image, displacement, reaction formation, projection, and isolation.

ID

The most primitive part of psyche, containing basic urges like eat or drink and operates on the pleasure principle. Wants instant gratification.

EGO

Rational part of the psyche, works on the reality principle, trying to satisfy the ID while adhering to societal norms.

SUPEREGO

Moral component of psyche, internalized societal rules, can lead to feelings of guilt and anxiety when violated. Moral policeman.

Phallic stage (4-6) “passage into manhood”

Oedipus Complex, boys wants to sexually possess mum and hates dad. Fears dad will find out and castrate him (castration anxiety). Resolved when boy gives up on mum and identifies with dad.

Electra Complex

Discovers the lack of penis (oh no!), developes penis envy and sexual desire towards dad while hating mum. Resolved by identifying with mum.

Unconscious Conflicts

Internal struggles stemming from childhood experiences, child starts life of pleasure seeking tendencies. Throughout growth pleasure is achieved through stimulation of certain body zones.

Psychosexual Stages of Development

oral (0-2), anal (2-4), phallic (4-6), latency (6-12), genital (12+)

Difficulties at stages causing later problems

Oral- oral fixation, smoking, thumb sucking. Anal- anal retentiveness, obstinate, likes painting. Phallic- castration anxiety can cause gay?

Displacement

Emotional impulses are redirected from the original target to a safer one eg. gym when angry.

Reaction Formation

Where an individual prevents expression of unwanted feelings by expressing the opposite (eg. internalised homophobia).

Projection

Where individuals attribute their own thoughts or feelings onto others.

Isolation

Where emotional reactions are separated from specific memories (otherwise gets overwhelming).

Problems with freud

Never studied children, ideas not falsifiable, little experimental evidence.

Flawed Experiments

Experiments supporting his theories are often flawed and can be attributed to other causes.