Psychodynamic Theories Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key concepts from the psychodynamic theories lecture, including Freud's theories, Jung's analytical psychology, attachment theory, and various psychological mechanisms.

Psychodynamic Theories

Personality theories that emphasize the role of the unconscious mind and childhood experiences in shaping behavior.

Freud’s Psychoanalysis

A therapeutic method and personality theory developed by Sigmund Freud focusing on unconscious motives and conflicts.

Instincts/Psychic Energy

The driving forces of personality according to Freud, which are categorized into life instincts (Eros) and death instincts (Thanatos).

ID

The part of personality that seeks immediate gratification and operates on the pleasure principle; present from birth.

EGO

The part of personality that seeks reality and balances the demands of the ID and Superego; develops around ages 2-3.

SUPEREGO

The part of personality that seeks perfection by internalizing societal values and morals; develops around age 5.

Anxiety Types

According to Freud, there are three types of anxiety: objective (Ego vs. outside influences), neurotic (Ego vs. Id), and moral (Ego vs. Superego).

Defense Mechanisms

Strategies used by the Ego to protect individuals from anxiety or internal conflict, often operating unconsciously.

Psychosexual Stages

Freud's stages of personality development that are defined by conflicts between pleasure-seeking behaviors and societal rules.

Projective Tests

Personality assessments that involve interpreting ambiguous stimuli, such as the Rorschach test and Thematic Apperception Test.

Attachment Theory

A psychological model describing the dynamics of long-term interpersonal relationships, focusing on early bonds with caregivers.

Collective Unconscious

A component in Jungian psychology that posits shared, inherited memories and archetypes across humanity.

Individuation

The process of integrating conscious and unconscious aspects of the self to realize a whole and balanced individual, as proposed by Jung.

Secure Attachment Style

Characterized by confidence in caregiver availability and comfort with closeness in relationships.

Avoidant Attachment Style

Characterized by independence and aloofness from caregivers and emotional distance in relationships.

Disorganized Attachment Style

Characterized by a mix of behaviors, including anxiety and avoidance towards caregivers.