psychodynamic approach

A perspective that describes the different forces (dynamics) most of which are unconscious, that operate on the mind and direct human behaviour and experience

Key terms

The unconscious- part of the mind we are unaware of but which directs much of our behaviour

The ID- entirely unconscious, the ID id made up of selfish aggressive instincts that demand immediate gratification

Ego- the ‘reality check’ that balances the conflicting demands of the ID and the superego

Superego- the moralistic part of our personality which represents the ideal self(how we ought to be)

Defence mechanism- unconscious strategies that the ego uses to manage the conflict between the ID and superego

The structure of person