Psychodynamic Assumptions

• Levels of the mind

  • The Conscious Mind
  • The Preconscious Mind
  • The Unconscious Mind
• The Conscious Mind


  What we are aware of (e.g. thoughts, behaviour)
• The Preconscious Mind


  What we could be aware of if we turned our attention to it (e.g. memories)
• The Unconscious Mind


  Inaccessible to our conscious awareness (e.g. instincts)
• Dream Analysis


  1. Focuses on interpreting dreams

  2. Dreams allow repressed memories to be processed in a safe way
• The Tripartite Personality

  ID, Ego, Superego
• ID


  • Develops from birth
  • Innate desires
  • Wants to act on impulses
• Ego


  • Develops 2-3 years old
  • Knows what is socially acceptable
  • Knows you can't always get what you want
• Superego


  • Develops 3-5 years old
  • Conscience of right/wrong
  • Criticises your every desire and want
• Conflict between ID and Ego and Superego


  Leads to mental disorders. (e.g. depression & anxiety) - superego constantly judges/ criticises your wants/desires.
• Weak ID and strong Superego

  • Constantly judging yourself
  • Lower self-esteem
• Ego defense mechanisms

  • Regression
  • Repression
  • Displacement
  • Projection
• Psychosexual development


  • Early childhood experiences determines adult personality
  • 5 stages: Oral, Anal, Phallic, Latency, Genital
• Oedipus Complex

  • ID - boy has desire for mother
  • Ego - fathers relationship with mother excludes boy - ID + Ego - boy is jealous of father & hates him
  • ID - boy is afraid father will punish him by castration (Castration Anxiety). Later in life boy finds partner who reminds him of his mother