Psychodynamic

• What does the term "unconscious" refer to in psychology?

  The part of the mind that contains information we are not consciously aware of
• What are "drives" in the context of the psychodynamic approach?

  Biological drives and instincts that influence behavior
• What does the term "behavior" encompass in the psychodynamic approach?

  Actions and reactions of individuals influenced by unconscious motives
• What are the main assumptions of the Psychodynamic Approach?

  1. Behavior is due to unconscious motives.
  2. It focuses on past experiences, especially relationships with parents and childhood conflicts.
  3. Our understanding of ourselves is distorted by defense mechanisms.
• How does the psychodynamic approach view the role of the unconscious mind?

  It focuses on the unconscious mind and past experiences rather than the present
• What is the role of the unconscious in influencing behavior?

  • Contains information we are not consciously aware of
  • Directs much of our behavior, including biological drives and instincts
  • Holds repressed memories
• What is the conscious part of the mind compared to in the study material?

  It is compared to the tip of an iceberg
• What is the preconscious mind?

  The part of the mind just below the conscious level that includes thoughts and ideas we may become aware of
• What is a "Freudian slip"?

  A slip of the tongue that reveals unconscious thoughts or feelings
• What does the super-ego represent in the mind?

  The part of the mind that acts as a moral conscience
• What does the ego do in the psychodynamic model?

  The ego mediates between the id and the super-ego
• What is the id in the context of the psychodynamic approach?

  The part of the mind that contains biological drives and instincts
• What types of memories does the unconscious mind hold?

  Threatening and disturbing memories that have been repressed
• How do the concepts of id, ego, and super-ego interact in the psychodynamic approach?


  The id seeks pleasure, the ego mediates between the id and super-ego, and the super-ego enforces moral standards
• What is the tripartite structure of personality according to Freud?

  Id, Ego, and Superego
• What principle does the Id operate on?

  The Pleasure Principle
• When is the Id present in a person's life?

  At birth
• What is the focus of the Id throughout life?

  Self and immediate gratification
• What can happen if the Id is too overpowering for the Ego?

  It can produce a selfish personality
• What principle does the Ego operate on?

  The Reality Principle
• What is the role of the Ego?

  To balance the demands of the Id and Superego
• When does the Ego typically form?

  From 18 months to 3 years
• What does the Superego act on?

  The Morality Principle
• When does the Superego typically form?

  Between 3 to 6 years
• How does the Superego arise?

  Through identification with the same-sex parent
• What is the Superego's function?

  It is our internalized sense of right and wrong based on parental values
• What can happen if the Superego is too overpowering for the Ego?

  It can produce an anxious personality
• What are defense mechanisms in psychology?

  • Unconscious strategies used by the Ego
  • Manage conflict between the Id and Superego
  • Help prevent the Ego from becoming overwhelmed
• What is repression in the context of defense mechanisms?

  Forcing a distressing memory out of the conscious mind
• What is denial as a defense mechanism?

  Refusing to acknowledge an unpleasant aspect of reality
• What is displacement in the context of defense mechanisms?

  Transferring feelings from the true source of distress to a less threatening substitute
• What are the consequences of unresolved conflicts in the psychosexual stages?

  • Fixation can lead to certain behaviors in adulthood
  • Examples include anxiety and addictions
• How many psychosexual stages did Freud propose?

  Five stages
• What is the focus of gratification in the oral stage?

  From the mouth, such as from dummies and breastfeeding
• What is the focus of gratification in the anal stage?


  From the anus, such as expulsion or withholding of faeces
• What is a strength of the psychodynamic explanation of human behavior?

  It has practical applications in treating psychological abnormalities
• What is a criticism of the psychodynamic approach regarding psychic determinism?

  It neglects the role of free will and choice in behavior
• What is a limitation of the psychodynamic explanation regarding scientific methods?

  It does not use scientific methods like lab experiments
• What is a limitation of Freud's case studies?

  They lack population validity due to small sample sizes
• LITTLE HANS


  A 5-year-old boy who was treated by Sigmund Freud for his fears and phobias