Psychodynamic psychology

• What is lipido?

  Life instinct, manifesting as sexuality
• What is Thanatos?

  death instinct, manifesting as aggression and destructiveness.
• What is the ID?

  You are born with this personality and it therefore develops first. It is the instructive part of our personality- it can be very demanding. Referred to the ‘I want’ works as the ‘pleasure principle’.
• What is the ego?

  The ego develops at next, it is the rational part of the personality because it works on reality principles. The ego tries to satisfy the needs of the ID (i want). The ego develops around 18 months.
• What is the superego?


  Develops last around 4 years old. Works on the morality principle. It’s the ‘you can’t have that‘ part of the personality. The superego is your conscience given to you by parents, rules, society etc.
• When we express aggression we release psychic energy, which aggressive drive, making further aggression less likely.
• What did Sigmund Freud argue?

  Our childhood has a very big effect on our later life and can influence our personality, relationships and general mental health.
• What is the conscious part of our brain?

  Mental process and sensations of which you are aware of. Takes control of all logical and intellectual thought processes.
• What is the pre conscious part of the brain?

  Things you don’t know but can access through association. Example, the smell of freshly baked bread reminds you of your grandma. Like a mental waiting room.
• What is the unconscious part of your brain?

  Hidden such as traumatic events. Process of repression. Expression of trauma is shown by behaviour.
• What Is the impact of preventing catharsis?

  Creates a buildup of energy which will eventually lead to a destructive aggressive outburst directed either inwards (self harm) or outwards (violent assault).
• What are indirect ways of showing aggression?

  • Displacement: Aggression towards one person (e.g your boss) is redirected against a less powerful more available person.
  • Observing others behaving aggressively (e.g violent films)
• What is the evaluation of Freud?

  It is unscientific because:

  You cannot see any parts of the brain e.g ID, ego, superego. They cannot be tested as science prefers tangible concepts.
• What is supporting evidence of freuds Study?

  Graham et al(2008) suggest we should rant rather than vent. This supports the idea that expressing aggression does work. Ranting allows individuals to gain control which will avoid violent aggression.