Key terms

• Psychodynamic approach: a perspective that describes the differnet forces (dynamics) most of which are unconscious, that operate on the mind and direct human behaviour and experiences
• The unconscious: the part of the mind that we are unaware of but which continues to direct much of our behaviour
• The unconscious: the part of the mind that we are unaware of but which continues to direct much of our behaviour
• The Id: entirely unconscious, the Id is made up of selfish, aggressive instincts that demand immediate gratification
• ego: the ‘reality check’ that balances the conflicting demands of the id and superego
• Superego: the moralistic part of our personality which represents the ideal self: how we ought to be
• Defence mechanisms: unconscious strategies that the ego uses to manage the conflict between the Id and Superego
• Psychosexual stages: according to Freud, five developmental stages that all children pass through. At most stages there is a specific conflict, the outcome of which determines future development