Freud's Psychoanalysis: Key Concepts and Theories for Students

What is free association in Freud's psychoanalysis?

A technique where patients speak freely to uncover unconscious thoughts and feelings.

What does psychic determinism mean in Freud's theory?

The idea that all thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are determined by unconscious motives.

What is the doctrine of opposites in Freud's psychoanalysis?

The concept that every drive has an opposing drive, such as love and hate.

What are the three internal structures of the mind according to Freud?

Id, ego, and superego.

What is the role of the id in Freud's theory?

The id is the primal part of the mind that seeks immediate gratification.

What is the function of the ego in Freud's model?

The ego mediates between the id and reality, making rational decisions.

What does the superego represent in Freud's theory?

The superego embodies moral standards and ideals acquired from parents and society.

What are Freud's concepts of libido and Thanatos?

Libido refers to the life drive, while Thanatos refers to the death drive.

What are the stages of Freud's psychosexual development?

Oral, anal, phallic, latency, and genital stages, each with specific timing, physical focus, and psychological themes.

Which psychosexual stage is associated with the development of the id?

The oral stage.

Which psychosexual stage is associated with the development of the ego?

The anal stage.

Which psychosexual stage is associated with the development of the superego?

The phallic stage.

What does it mean when the libido is 'fixated'?

It means that an individual remains stuck in a particular psychosexual stage.

What is the difference between the conscious, preconscious, and unconscious mind?

The conscious mind contains thoughts we are aware of, the preconscious holds thoughts that can be accessed, and the unconscious contains repressed memories and desires.

What are defense mechanisms in Freud's theory?

Psychological strategies used to cope with anxiety and protect the ego.

What is projection as a defense mechanism?

Attributing one's own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to someone else.

What is intellectualization as a defense mechanism?

Using logic and reasoning to avoid emotional distress.

What is displacement as a defense mechanism?

Redirecting emotions from a threatening target to a safer one.

What is sublimation as a defense mechanism?

Channeling unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable activities.

What is therapeutic alliance in psychoanalysis?

The collaborative relationship between therapist and patient that facilitates healing.

What is transference in psychoanalysis?

The projection of feelings and attitudes from a patient onto the therapist.

What is Neo-Freudian psychology?

A branch of psychology that builds on Freud's theories while emphasizing social and cultural factors.

What are Alfred Adler's concepts of organ inferiority and style of life?

Organ inferiority refers to feelings of inadequacy, while style of life is the unique way an individual strives for superiority.

What is the main goal of psychotherapy from a humanistic perspective?

To help individuals achieve self-actualization and personal growth.

What are Freud's three internal structures of the mind?

Id, ego, and superego.

What is the doctrine of opposites in Freud's theory?

It suggests that every drive has an opposing drive, influencing behavior and mental processes.

What do libido and Thanatos represent in Freud's interpretation?

Libido represents life instincts, while Thanatos represents the death drive.

What are the stages of Freud's psychosexual development?

Oral, anal, phallic, latency, and genital stages, each with specific timing, physical focus, and psychological themes.

Which psychosexual stage is associated with the development of the id?

The oral stage.

Which psychosexual stage is associated with the development of the ego?

The anal stage.

Which psychosexual stage is associated with the development of the superego?

The phallic stage.

What does it mean when the libido is 'fixated'?

It means that an individual is stuck in a particular psychosexual stage, affecting their personality.

What are the three levels of consciousness according to Freud?

Conscious, preconscious, and unconscious mind.

What part of the mind does the psychoanalytic perspective focus on?

The unconscious mind.

What are defense mechanisms in Freud's theory?

Psychological strategies used to protect the ego from anxiety and distress.

What is projection as a defense mechanism?

Attributing one's own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to someone else.

What is intellectualization as a defense mechanism?

Using logic and reasoning to avoid emotional distress.

What is displacement as a defense mechanism?

Redirecting emotions from a threatening target to a safer one.

What is sublimation as a defense mechanism?

Transforming unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable actions.

What is therapeutic alliance in psychoanalysis?

The collaborative relationship between therapist and patient that facilitates healing.

What is transference in psychoanalysis?

The projection of feelings and attitudes from one person onto another, often the therapist.

What are five critiques of Freud's psychoanalytic theory?

Overemphasis on sexuality, lack of empirical evidence, gender bias, deterministic view of behavior, and neglect of social factors.

What type of modern therapy is most influenced by Freud's psychoanalysis?

Psychodynamic therapy.

What are two critiques of psychodynamic therapy?

It can be time-consuming and expensive, and it may lack empirical support.

What are four takeaways of psychoanalytic theory that are still used today?

The importance of the unconscious, defense mechanisms, early childhood experiences, and therapeutic relationships.

What is Neo-Freudian psychology?

A branch of psychology that builds on Freud's ideas but emphasizes social and cultural factors.

How do Neo-Freudians differ from Freud?

They focus more on the ego's role and less on sexual drives.

What are Alfred Adler's concepts of organ inferiority and style of life?

Organ inferiority refers to feelings of inadequacy, while style of life is the unique way individuals pursue goals.

What is Carl Jung's concept of the collective unconscious?

A part of the unconscious mind shared among all humans, containing universal memories and archetypes.

What is one major way in which Karen Horney disagreed with Freud?

She emphasized social and cultural factors over biological drives.

What are Karen Horney's concepts of basic anxiety and neurotic needs?

Basic anxiety is the feeling of being isolated and helpless, while neurotic needs are irrational demands for affection and approval.

What are Erik Erikson's stages of psychosocial development?

Eight stages that correspond to psychosocial crises throughout life, each with a specific age range and issue.

How did Erik Erikson's psychosocial stages differ from Freud's psychosexual stages?

Erikson's stages focus on social and emotional development across the lifespan, rather than sexual development.

What are the four themes of Object Relations Theory?

The importance of relationships, the internalization of relationships, the impact of early experiences, and the development of the self.

What is the purpose of psychotherapy from the perspective of Object Relations Theory?

To help individuals understand and improve their relationships with others and themselves.