Freud: Personality Development

These flashcards cover key concepts related to Freud's theories on personality development, including definitions, methods, and personality components.

Personality

The combination of characteristics or qualities that form an individual's distinctive character.

Three levels of personality

The conscious, pre-conscious, and unconscious are the three levels of awareness in Freud's model.

Freudian slip

An unintentional error regarded as revealing subconscious feelings.

Resistance

A term used to describe a patient's reluctance to discuss certain subjects during therapy.

Free association

A psychoanalytic technique in which a patient speaks freely to reveal unconscious thoughts.

Freud's trouble with method

Freud had trouble with the method of dream interpretation due to its subjective nature.

Freud's view of dreams

Dreams are a window to the unconscious and reveal hidden desires.

Freud's view of human nature

Freud believed human nature is primarily driven by basic instinctual drives.

Psychoanalysis definitions

Psychoanalysis refers to both a theory of personality and a therapeutic technique to address psychological issues.

Disagreements with other theorists

Freud had disagreements with other theorists due to differing views on the influence of sexuality and the psyche.

Defense mechanisms

Psychological strategies used to cope with reality and maintain self-image.

Example of a defense mechanism

Repression, which involves unconsciously blocking unacceptable thoughts or feelings.

Id

The part of the personality that contains our primal instincts and desires.

Ego

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

Superego

The component of personality that represents the moral conscience.

Conscious mind

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

Pre-conscious mind

The part of the mind that holds thoughts and feelings that are not currently conscious but can be easily accessed.

Unconscious mind

The part of the mind that contains thoughts and feelings not consciously known.

Internal conflict

A struggle between different parts of the personality, such as the id, ego, and superego.

Psychoanalytic therapy

A therapeutic approach that seeks to explore and understand unconscious motivations and conflicts.

Personality development

The formation of an individual's personality through processes of intrapersonal and environmental interactions.