Psychodynamic Approach

• What does the psychodynamic approach emphasize?

  The role of the unconscious mind
• What are the three structures of personality in the psychodynamic approach?

  Id, ego, and superego
• What are some examples of defence mechanisms?

  Repression, denial, and displacement
• What motivates human behavior according to the psychodynamic approach?

  Sexual and aggressive drives
• What happens if conflicts during psychosexual stages are unresolved?

  A fixation occurs affecting adult personality
• What is the preconscious mind?

  Memories accessible but not currently aware
• How does the unconscious mind protect the conscious self?

  By using defence mechanisms like repression
• What is the role of free association in accessing the unconscious mind?

  It helps bring unconscious thoughts to awareness
• What is the focus of pleasure in the oral stage?

  The mouth and mother's breast
• What can unresolved conflicts in the anal stage lead to?

  Anal retentive or anal expulsive behaviors
• What is the Oedipus complex?

  Sexual attraction of boys to their mothers
• What is the Electra complex?

  Sexual attraction of girls to their fathers
• How does the psychodynamic approach view adult behavior?

  As a result of childhood experiences
• What is the primary criticism of the psychodynamic approach regarding testability?

  It is unfalsifiable and untestable
• What is the significance of defence mechanisms according to the psychodynamic approach?

  They help manage conflicts between id and superego
• What did Williams (1994) find regarding repression?

  38% of abused women forgot their trauma
• What is the aim of psychoanalysis in treating mental health issues?

  To bring repressed emotions into consciousness
• What does the psychodynamic approach suggest about free will?

  It is an illusion; behavior is determined
• What is the impact of childhood experiences on adult personality according to the psychodynamic approach?

  They shape personality and psychological disorders
• What is the role of the superego in personality structure?

  It acts as the moral guide and conscience
• What is the age range for the development of the ego?

  18 months to 3 years
• What is the primary focus of the latency stage?

  Cognitive and social development
• What does the psychodynamic approach suggest about gender differences?

  It exaggerates differences between males and females
• What is the significance of the psychosexual stages of development?

  They are crucial for personality development
• What is the primary criticism of the psychodynamic approach regarding its scientific status?

  It is considered a pseudo-science
• What is the role of the id in personality structure?

  It seeks pleasure and immediate gratification
• What is the primary focus of the genital stage?

  Forming relationships with others
• What is the purpose of the gap fill exercise in studying the structure of personality?

  To reinforce understanding of key concepts
• What is the significance of the Little Hans case study?

  It supports the Oedipus complex theory
• What is the role of the psychodynamic approach in psychotherapy?

  It provides techniques to access the unconscious
• What does the psychodynamic approach suggest about mental health issues?

  They may be blamed on childhood experiences
• What is the primary focus of the psychodynamic approach in psychology?

  Understanding the unconscious mind's influence
• What are the key components of the psychodynamic approach?

  • Role of the unconscious
  • Structure of personality (id, ego, superego)
  • Defence mechanisms (repression, denial, displacement)
  • Psychosexual stages of development
• What are the psychosexual stages of development?

  1. Oral (0-1 years)
  2. Anal (1-3 years)
  3. Phallic (3-5 years)
  4. Latency (6-12 years)
  5. Genital (12 years and up)
• What are the defence mechanisms in the psychodynamic approach?

  • Repression: Forcing distressing memories out of consciousness
  • Denial: Refusing to acknowledge reality
  • Displacement: Transferring feelings to a substitute target
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the psychodynamic approach?

  Strengths:

  • Explanatory power for various behaviors
  • Successful psychotherapy applications

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Unfalsifiable concepts
  • Gender bias
  • Deterministic view of behavior
• How does the psychodynamic approach compare to other psychological approaches?

  • Focus on unconscious vs. conscious experience (humanistic)
  • Psychosexual stages vs. continuous development (behaviorism)
  • Conflict-driven vs. growth-oriented perspectives (humanistic)
• What is the significance of the Oedipus and Electra complexes?

  • Oedipus complex: Boys' attraction to mothers, fear of fathers
  • Electra complex: Girls' attraction to fathers, envy of mothers
• What is the role of childhood experiences in the psychodynamic approach?

  • Shape adult personality
  • Influence psychological disorders
• What are the implications of the psychodynamic approach for mental health treatment?

  • Emphasizes accessing the unconscious
  • Techniques include dream analysis and free association