Topic10

Sigmund Freud: Overview

• Sigmund Freud (1856–1939) was a key figure in the field of psychology, specifically known for founding the psychodynamic theory of development.

• He emphasized the role of childhood in shaping personality.

• Proposed that individuals possess a limited amount of psychological energy, termed ‘libido’, used to address biological needs, environmental challenges, and psychological functions.

• Freud’s theories aim to explain personality development, adaptation to reality, disorder development, and treatment of psychopathologies, with a significant focus on child development.

Psychoanalytic Theory of Personality

• Freud introduced the concept of personality development through five psychosexual stages:

  • Oral Stage (Birth to 1 year)

    • Erogenous zone: Mouth

  • Anal Stage (1–3 years)

    • Erogenous zone: Bowel and bladder control

  • Phallic Stage (3–6 years)

    • Erogenous zone: Genitals

  • Latent Stage (6 years to puberty)

    • Libido inactive

  • Genital Stage (Puberty to adulthood)

    • Emergence of mature sexual interests

Levels of Consciousness

• Freud’s model of the mind comprises three levels: conscious, subconscious, and unconscious.

• These levels are illustrated through the iceberg analogy, showing how most mental processes are hidden below the surface.

• Human behavior is affected by three components of the mind:

  • Id: Represents basic drives and desires.

  • Ego: Mediates between the id and superego, functioning on reality principles.

  • Superego: Represents moral standards and ideals.

Conflict and Defense Mechanisms

• The id and superego are often at odds, necessitating mediation by the ego to reduce conflict and anxiety.

• Defense Mechanisms: Strategies developed by the ego to manage internal conflicts and anxiety, such as:

  • Projection: Attributing unacceptable desires to others; e.g., justifying cookie theft by believing parents are okay with it.

  • Regression: Reverting to earlier behaviors to cope with stress, like resorting to drinking alcohol when faced with problems.

Parenting and Development

• Freud posited that parenting, particularly maternal care, significantly impacts adult emotional stability and mental health.

• Negative treatment during childhood can lead to enduring adult psychological issues.

• Critical evaluation of Freud’s views acknowledges skepticism regarding the direct link from childhood experiences to adult problems.

Criticisms of Freud's Theories

• Limitations noted in Freud’s methods and findings:

  • Few direct observations of child development.

  • Neglect of cognitive, social, cultural, and historical influences on development.

  • Narrow focus on psychosexual issues.

  • Lack of empirical support for links between personality styles and childhood emotional experiences.

  • Claims about female development being biased and under-explored.

Conclusion: The Influence of Freud's Theories

• Freud maintained that unconscious processes greatly influence motivations and behaviors, with early relational experiences shaping future interactions.

• His theories on defence mechanisms and balance between conflicting desires remain influential in understanding psychological functioning.