Psychoanalytic theory

Question 1

What is the view of human nature for psychoanalytic theory?

Answer 1

our behaviour is determined by irrational forces, unconscious motivations, and biological and instinctual drives

Question 2

What is the structure of personality in Freudian psychoanalytic view?

Answer 2

Consists of three systems: Id, Ego, Superego

Question 3

what principle is it ruled by?

What is the Id?

Answer 3

• Refers to the untamed drives or impulses
• Ruled by the pleasure principle - aimed at reducing tension, avoiding pain and gaining pleasure

Question 4

what principle is it ruled by?

What is the Ego?

Answer 4

• mediates between the Id and the reality of danger posed by the Id’s instincts
• Ruled by the reality principle - relies on realistic and logical thinking and formulates plans of action to satisfy needs

Question 5

What is the Superego?

Answer 5

• includes a person’s moral code concerning what action is right and wrong
• Represents the ideals and values of society being passed down from parent to child
• inhibits the Id impulses and persuades the Ego to strive for realistic goals

Question 6

what are the characteristics? what is their function?

What are ego-defensive mechanisms?

Answer 6

• help the person cope with anxiety and prevent the ego from being overwhelmed
• mechanisms either deny or distort reality
• mechanisms operate on an unconscious level

Question 7

what is resistance? what is its function?

What is the psychoanalytic interpretation of resistance?

Answer 7

an unconsious dynamic that people use to protect themselves against the intolerable pain and anxiety that arises when they become aware of their repressed feelings

Question 8

How can transference be useful for clients?

Answer 8

clients can gain awareness of the longstanding dynamics they have with significant figures in their past and in present relationships with others

Question 9

What is the therapeutic goal of psychoanalytic theory?

Answer 9

To reduce symptoms, increase adaptive functioning and manage their irrational behaviour by
1. making the unconscious conscious
2. resolving conflicts between the Id, Ego and Superego

Question 10

What is the therapist’s function and role in psychoanalytic theory?

Answer 10

therapist acts as a blank screen while the client projects their insecurities/anxieties/resistance onto them - transference relationship

Question 11

unlocks the unconscious

What are some examples of psychoanalytic techniques?

Answer 11

1. Free association: verbalise whatever thought that comes to mind without censorship or selection -> loosens the client’s defense mechanisms, client ‘regresses’ -> childhood feelings surface to the conscious -> vulnerability allows for positive therapeutic growth
2. Dream analysis: symbolic representation of unconscious needs, wishes and conflicts

Question 12

What are strengths of psychoanalytic theory?

Answer 12

1. birth of talk therapy
2. highlights the profound influence of childhood

Question 13

What are limitations of psychoanalytic theory?

Answer 13

1. unscientific - results are often unmeasurable
2. often used in psychiatry and requires in-depth training, otherwise results would be unreliable
3. not efficient for a less disturbed person because it is a long-term approach