Psychodynamic Approach

Approaches in Psychology

The Psychodynamic Approach

Introduction

• Sigmund Freud (1856–1939) is considered one of the most controversial and misunderstood theorists in psychology.
• Important to note that Freud was a medical doctor, and at his time there was no formal degree in psychology. This context may explain the misunderstandings surrounding his theories.
• Freud was a pioneer in the systematic study and theorization of the unconscious mind, laying foundational theories that influence modern psychology.

Key Assumptions of The Psychodynamic Approach

• Underlying Causes of Behavior: The psychodynamic approach asserts that all behavior stems from underlying causes, primarily originating in the unconscious mind. Different aspects of a person's unconscious often conflict with one another, leading to complex behaviors.
• Childhood Experiences: Adult behavior and feelings, including mental health issues, are deeply rooted in childhood experiences. This emphasizes the significance of early life in shaping personality.
• Influence of Internal and External Factors: Both innate, internal processes and external environmental factors contribute to an individual's adult personality.
• Discussion Point: Compare the psychodynamic approach with other psychological approaches discussed in the course.

The Role of Consciousness

Conscious Mind

• The conscious mind is the part of our mental processing that we are aware of. It is often described as merely the "tip of the iceberg" compared to the larger unconscious mind beneath it.

The Preconscious Mind

• The preconscious mind consists of thoughts and ideas that can be accessed when prompted, such as during dreams or "Freudian slips" (parapraxes). An example of a Freudian slip is mistakenly calling a female teacher "mum" instead of "miss," which may reveal underlying thoughts or feelings.

The Unconscious Mind

• The unconscious mind is a vast repository of biological drives and instincts. It holds significant influence over behavior and personality. Within it lies repressed memories and desires that may be distressing or unacceptable to an individual.

Comparison of Conscious, Preconscious, and Unconscious Minds

• It is vital to differentiate between these three states of consciousness in the context of the psychodynamic theory.

Structure of Personality

Freud conceptualized personality as having three interconnected parts:

The Id

• Described as the primitive component of personality, the Id operates solely on the pleasure principle. This means it seeks immediate gratification of needs and desires.
• Present at birth, Freud referenced babies as "bundles of Id," highlighting their innate self-centeredness.

The Ego

• The Ego operates on the reality principle and functions as the mediator between the Id and the Superego.
• It develops around the age of two and plays a critical role in managing the conflicts between the Id's desires and the ethical constraints of the Superego by employing defense mechanisms.

The Superego

• Formed by internalizing the moral standards of the child's same-sex parent, the Superego emerges at the end of the phallic stage, around five years of age. It represents our conscience and incorporates the standards of morality, punishing the Ego through feelings of guilt for wrongdoing.

Summary of Personality Structure Levels

Explaining Abnormal Behavior

• When the Ego fails to maintain a balance between the Id and the Superego, conflicts can arise, resulting in psychological disorders. Dominance of Id impulses may produce destructive tendencies, while a dominant Superego may inhibit pleasurable experiences and lead to psychological distress.
• Freud emphasized that many adult disorders stem from unresolved conflicts during childhood, linking these conflicts to repressed fears or emotions.

Anxiety and Defense Mechanisms

• Anxiety arises from these inner conflicts, prompting the Ego to employ defense mechanisms to buffer against overwhelming emotions or thoughts.

Defense Mechanisms

• Definition: Defense mechanisms are unconscious strategies used by the Ego to prevent overwhelming situations or traumas from becoming conscious. They're often psychologically unhealthy over prolonged periods as they distort reality.
• Key defense mechanisms include:
  • Repression: Keeping disturbing thoughts from entering consciousness. (E.g., aggressive thoughts during the Oedipus complex)
  • Denial: Refusal to acknowledge reality or facts. (E.g., smokers denying smoking is harmful)
  • Projection: Attributing one's own unacceptable feelings or thoughts to someone else. (E.g., believing someone else hates you)
  • Displacement: Diverting an impulse from the intended target to a safer substitute. (E.g., kicking a dog when angry at a boss)
  • Regression: Returning to a previous psychological state when faced with stress. (E.g., thumb-sucking in hospitalized children)
  • Sublimation: Channeling unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable actions. (E.g., sports for aggression)

The Psychosexual Stages

Freud proposed that psychological development occurs in stages characterized by conflicts that must be resolved for healthy growth. The five psychosexual stages are:

1. Oral Stage (0-1 years)
2. Anal Stage (1-3 years)
3. Phallic Stage (3-6 years)
4. Latency Stage (6-11 years)
5. Genital Stage (12+ years)

Importance of Conflicts in Each Stage

• Conflicts at each stage must be successfully resolved to avoid fixation, which can lead to maladaptive behaviors in adulthood.
• Fixation refers to becoming 'stuck' in a psychosexual stage due to unresolved conflicts.

Description of Each Stage's Focus & Consequences of Unresolved Conflicts

Oedipus and Electra Complex

• In the Phallic stage, boys develop an Oedipus complex characterized by incestuous feelings toward the mother and rivalry with the father. They repress these feelings and identify with the father, contributing to Superego development.
• Girls experience the Electra complex, developing penis envy and eventually identifying with the mother as they seek to replace the desire for their father with a desire for a baby.

Case Study Outline: Little Hans

• Freud analyzed a five-year-old boy, Hans, who developed a phobia of horses after witnessing one collapse. Freud deduced that Hans's fear was a displacement of his repressed fear of his father, representative of deeper unconscious conflicts associated with the Oedipus complex.

Exam Practice: Short Answer Questions

1. Describe the structure of the personality according to the psychodynamic approach. (4 marks)

   • Must include: Description of Id, Ego, and Superego.

2. Explain one or more strengths of the psychodynamic approach. (4 marks)

   • Discuss developmental importance and its historical impact on psychology.

Evaluation of the Psychodynamic Approach

Strengths

• The psychodynamic approach significantly influenced psychology, shaping theories regarding personality development, abnormal behavior, and the importance of childhood experiences in later life.
• It has inspired further research on early attachments and development, motivating other theorists like Bowlby.

Limitations

• Psychoanalysis as therapy can be impractical for severe mental disorders, though it has clinical applications in mild neuroses.
• The case study method limited Freud's findings, impacting generalizability and scientific validation.
• Concepts within psychodynamics lack empirical testability, making them unfalsifiable according to philosopher Karl Popper.
• The theory's reliance on psychic determinism questions the existence of free will, potentially complicating scientific inquiries into human behavior.

Final Essay Practice

• Outline and evaluate the psychodynamic approach in psychology. (16 marks)
  • Synthesizing strengths and limitations while demonstrating knowledge of key theorists and concepts.