Psychodynamic approach

• What is a limitation of the case study of HM?

  Findings cannot be generalized to the population
• Why is studying unique cases like HM important?

  They lead to discoveries without ethical violations
• 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
• What are the three parts of personality according to Freud?

  Id, Ego, Superego
• What does the ego do in Freud's model of personality?

  Balances the id and superego's demands
• What can result from an unbalanced id and superego?

  Abnormal behavior may occur
• How does Freud describe the mind's structure?

  Like an iceberg, with most hidden
• What is the conscious mind according to Freud?

  Logical and above the surface
• How does the unconscious mind express itself?

  Through dreams and Freudian slips
• What triggers defence mechanisms in individuals?

  Inability to deal with situations rationally
• What is repression in the context of defence mechanisms?

  Blocking unacceptable thoughts from awareness
• What does denial as a defence mechanism involve?

  Refusing to accept painful realities
• What is displacement in defence mechanisms?


  Redirecting feelings to a safer target
• What are the psychosexual stages of development according to Freud?

  1. Oral (0-2 years)

  • Focus on mouth; fixation leads to smoking, nail biting

  1. Anal (2-3 years)

  • Focus on controlling bowel movements; fixation leads to perfectionism or messiness

  1. Phallic (3-6 years)

  • Focus on genitals; Oedipus and Electra complexes develop

  1. Latent (6-12 years)

  • Repression of earlier conflicts

  1. Genital (12+ years)

  • Sexual desires become conscious; difficulty in relationships if unresolved
• What is the Oedipus complex?

  Boy's desire for mother, rivalry with father
• What is castration anxiety in the Oedipus complex?

  Fear of losing the penis due to rivalry
• How does a boy resolve the Oedipus complex?

  By identifying with his father
• What is the Electra complex?

  Girl's desire for father, rivalry with mother
• What is penis envy in the Electra complex?

  Girl's realization of lacking a penis
• How does a girl resolve the Electra complex?

  By identifying with her mother
• What is a criticism of the Psychodynamic approach regarding determinism?

  • Accused of psychic determinism
  • Behavior determined by unconscious conflicts
  • Suggests free will is an illusion
• What is a limitation of Freud's concepts?

  They cannot be scientifically tested
• What is a strength of the Psychodynamic approach?

  • Wealth of supporting research
  • Case studies and clinical interviews provide data
  • Increases validity of Freud's theory
• What was the case study of Little Hans about?

  Fear of horses linked to Oedipus complex
• What did Freud conclude about Little Hans' fear?

  It was a displacement of fear of his father
• Why is the case study of Little Hans significant?

  It supports Freud's psychodynamic theory
• What type of research methods did Freud use for supporting research?

  Unscientific methods like case studies
• What was the case study published by Freud in 1909 about?

  A boy named Little Hans with a phobia
• What did Freud conclude about Little Hans' fear of horses?

  It was linked to an unresolved Oedipus complex
• What is the Oedipus complex?

  A rivalry for parental affection
• How did Freud explain Little Hans' fear of horses?

  It was a displacement of fear of his father
• Why is supporting research considered a strength of Freud's theory?

  It increases the validity of the psychodynamic theory
• What type of data do case studies and clinical interviews provide?

  Rich, qualitative data about experiences
• What is a limitation of using case studies in Freud's approach?

  Findings cannot be generalized to all
• What is a potential issue with Freud's interpretations in case studies?

  They are highly subjective and biased
• What is a strength of psychodynamic therapies?

  They help improve psychological problems
• What is psychoanalysis?

  A therapy developed by Freud for neurotic symptoms
• How does psychoanalysis help patients?

  By examining their unconscious mind's contents
• What did Freud demonstrate about childhood experiences?

  They are important for adult mental illness
• What is a limitation of psychoanalysis for certain patients?

  It may be harmful for serious conditions