psychodynamic approach

• Who is the psychologist that most people can name, even if they haven't studied psychology?

  Sigmund Freud
• What is the name of Freud's approach to psychology?

  Psychodynamics
• Why were Freud's theories influential despite being rejected by most psychologists today?

  They contributed to the development of later theories and approaches
• What popular form of counseling did Freud develop?

  Psychotherapy
• What are the three parts of the mind according to Freud?

  The conscious mind, the preconscious, and the unconscious
• What does the conscious mind include?

  Ideas, decisions, and emotions
• What is the preconscious mind?

  Thoughts and memories not currently conscious but can be brought to awareness
• What is psychic determinism?

  The idea that the unconscious mind drives conscious behavior and shapes personality
• What is the largest part of the mind according to Freud?

  The unconscious mind
• What are defense mechanisms according to Freud?

  Strategies used by the ego to manage conflicts between the ID and super ego
• What are three defense mechanisms mentioned in the study material?

  Repression, denial, and displacement
• What is the ID in Freud's structure of personality?

  The selfish part of the mind that demands satisfaction of needs and desires
• What is the ego's role in personality according to Freud?

  To mediate between the demands of the ID and the super ego
• What is the super ego?

  The part of personality that represents moral standards and values
• How does Freud explain criminal behavior?

  As a result of an underdeveloped or deviant super ego
• What is the iceberg metaphor in relation to Freud's theories?

  • Represents the conscious, preconscious, and unconscious mind
  • Only a small part of the mind is visible (conscious)
  • The majority is hidden (unconscious) and drives behavior
• What are the five psychosexual stages according to Freud?


  1. Oral stage (0-1 years)
  2. Anal stage (1-3 years)
  3. Phallic stage (3-5 years)
  4. Latency stage (6-12 years)
  5. Genital stage (12+ years)
• What happens during the oral stage of development?

  The child receives pleasure from their mouth during breastfeeding
• What is the Oedipus complex?

  A boy's attraction to his mother and rivalry with his father
• What is a common fixation associated with the anal stage?

  Anal retentiveness, leading to an overly organized personality
• What happens during the latency stage?

  Sexual energy is dispersed and early childhood conflicts are repressed
• What is penis envy according to Freud?

  A girl's realization that she does not have a penis, leading to a desire for one
• What is denial as a defense mechanism?

  Refusing to accept the reality of a situation
• What is the final genital stage of development?

  The point of puberty where sexual desire becomes conscious
• What is displacement as a defense mechanism?

  Shifting strong emotions from the source to a substitute target
• What is repression as a defense mechanism?

  Placing unpleasant memories or emotions into the unconscious
• What are some criticisms of Freud's theories?

  • Lack of scientific credibility
  • Reliance on case studies and subjective interpretations
  • Lack of falsifiability
• What is the significance of Freud's focus on early childhood experiences?

  It highlights the long-lasting effects of trauma on adult life
• What are some strengths of Freud's theories?

  • Historical influence on psychology
  • Introduction of the concept of the unconscious mind
  • Practical applications in psychoanalysis
• How do modern psychologists view Freud's ideas?

  Many reject them but acknowledge their historical significance
• What is the practical application of psychodynamics in therapy?

  Psychoanalysis is a common form of talking therapy
• What did the meta-analysis by Dmats conclude about psychoanalytic therapy?

  It supports the effectiveness of long-term psychoanalytic therapy
• What is the role of the unconscious mind in Freud's theory?

  It influences behavior, personality, and mental states
• What is the relationship between Freud's theories and modern psychological concepts?

  Some concepts have been reframed into more scientific language
• What is the significance of the Freud Museum?

  It provides an introduction to Freud's ideas and theories
• What is the importance of the concept of unconscious processes in psychology?

  They influence perception, memory formation, and language
• How do people relate to Freud's ideas about desires and anxieties?

  Many admit to having desires and anxieties they can't consciously explain
• What is the role of the super ego in personality development?

  It enforces moral standards and causes feelings of guilt
• What is the relationship between the ID and the super ego?

  The ID seeks pleasure while the super ego enforces moral rules
• How does Freud's theory explain the development of gender identity?

  Through identification with the same-sex parent during the phallic stage