Describe one assumption of the psychodynamic approach

• Point

  One assumption of the psychodynamic approach is that personality is structured into three parts: the id, ego, and superego.
• Evidence

  Freud proposed that the id is the impulsive, pleasure-seeking part of the personality, present from birth. The ego develops around age two and operates on the reality principle, balancing the demands of the id in a socially acceptable way. The superego, developing around age 4, represents morality and aims for perfection
• Explain

  These three components often conflict, particularly between the id’s desires and the superego’s moral standards. The ego acts as a mediator, resolving these conflicts. For example, a person may feel torn between wanting to indulge in unhealthy food (id) and knowing it is bad for their health (superego), leading the ego to find a compromise, such as eating a small portion.
• Link

  This assumption is important because it explains human behaviour in terms of internal psychological conflicts. It also underpins Freud’s theories on personality development and mental health, as unresolved conflicts between these components can lead to anxiety or psychological disorders