Freud’s Psychodynamic Explanation

• Psychodynamic

  • Claims 2 innate drivers (both in the unconscious): Eros (Libido) + Thanatos (death wish)
  • Regard human behaviour as interaction between opposing forces
  • Libido:
  • Life instinct
  • Manifests as sexual motives
  • Focus on preservation + life enjoyment
  • Thanatos:
  • Death instinct/wish
  • Manifests in aggression + destructiveness
  • To prevent self-harm, Thanatos is projected or displaced
  • Catharsis control by defence mechanisms
  • Catharsis:
  • Safe mental energy release
  • Vent mental pressure; psychoanalysis
  • Failure to release causes mental health issues + aggression (hydraulic model)
• Iceberg Analogy

  • Conscious:
  • Fully aware
  • E.g easily recalled memories + motivations
  • Pre-conscious:
  • Just below conscious surface
  • E.g. memories + motivations only be recalled under specific circumstances (e.g. cues)
  • Unconscious:
  • Cannot be recalled to consciousness
  • E.g. instincts + deeply buried memories
  • Largest personality part
  • Includes unacceptable thoughts, fears, shameful memories + irrational desires
  • Most people unaware of violent urges in unconscious
  • Awareness of aggressive urges is only realised through catharsis (violent films or violent video games)
• Tripartite Model of Mind

  • Id ‘pleasure’
  • Unconscious
  • Primitive
  • First (0-2)
  • Manifests biological drives + responds to bodily needs/selfish desires
  • Driven by Eros + Thanatos
  • No thought for consequence
  • Ego ‘reality’
  • Logic
  • Conscious + preconscious
  • 2nd (2-3)
  • Balances Id + superego
  • Satisfy Id socially acceptably
  • Superego ‘morality’
  • All 3
  • Last (3-6)
  • Heavy influence by internalised societal + parental values
  • Govern by guilt + pride
  • Id urges delay
  • Issues in ego or superego development lead to inability to manage impulsive urges + increase aggression (Id dominate)