behaviour is influenced by unconscious conflicts - psychic determinism
development is shaped by early experience and trauma- environmental determinism
Causes of behaviour - the tripartite personality
Id - operates according to the "pleasure principle", primitive and instinctive drives for food, sex etc.
Superego - operates according to the "morality principle", conscience, societal rules, guilt
Ego - mediates between the superego and id and is usually in control of our behaviour, operates according to the "reality principle£, if conflict overwhelms the ego, defence mechanisms are deployed
Defence mechanisms
repression - painful or traumatic memories are pushed down into the unconscious to protect the ego
denial - refuses to accept and ignores reality as it is too traumatic and painful for the ego
displacement - reflects emotions against the true target
