Describe one assumption of the psychodynamic approach

• Point

  One assumption of the psychodynamic approach is that childhood experiences play a crucial role in shaping adult personality and behaviour
• Evidence

  Freud proposed that psychological development occurs in five psychosexual stages: oral, anal, phallic, latency, and genital. each stage is associated with a focus on a different area of the body where pleasure is derived. If a child experiences frustration (when needs are not met) or overindulgence (when needs are excessively satisfied) at any stage, the become fixated, leading to long-term personality traits
• Explain

  For example, fixation at the oral stage (0-18 months), where pleasure is focused on the mouth through activities like sucking and chewing, could lead to an adult who is pessimistic and sarcastic if they were underfed (frustration) or overly dependent and gullible if overindulged. Similarly, fixation at the anal stage (18 months - 3 years), which revolves around potty training, may result in an overly tidy and stubborn personality (anal retentive) or a disorganised reckless one (anal expulsive)
• Link

  This assumption highlights that early childhood experiences, particularly how needs are met during psychosexual stages, have a lasting impact on personality development and adult behaviour.