Psychodynamic Approach Flashcards
(24 cards)
What does the psychodynamic approach focus on?
The unconscious mind and its influence on behavior and feelings
This approach is rooted in the theories of Sigmund Freud.
What are the three levels of consciousness in psychodynamic theory?
- Conscious - thoughts we are aware of
- Pre-conscious - thoughts that we are not currently aware of but can be
- Unconscious - thoughts, desires and memories that are not accessible to awareness but influence our behaviours and feelings
These levels represent different states of awareness regarding thoughts and memories.
What is the ID according to Freud’s structure of personality?
The part of personality present from birth that operates on the pleasure principle
It focuses solely on satisfying needs and desires.
What is the role of the EGO in personality structure?
Acts rationally as a conflict solver between the ID and the Superego
It develops around 18 months and operates on the reality principle.
What does the Superego represent?
The morality principle that influences behavior according to moral and societal expectations
It typically develops between the ages of 3 and 6 years.
What are defense mechanisms?
Strategies employed by the ego to manage conflicts between the conscious and unconscious mind
These mechanisms help protect the individual from anxiety and distress.
Define denial as a defense mechanism.
A refusal to accept the reality of a situation
This can manifest in various ways, affecting how individuals cope with distressing information.
What is displacement in the context of defense mechanisms?
A strong emotion is redirected from its original source to a suitable target
This can help individuals cope with feelings that may be too difficult to confront directly.
What is repression?
An unpleasant memory or emotion is pushed into the unconscious and becomes inaccessible to consciousness
This mechanism is often used to protect the individual from painful experiences.
What are the psychosexual stages of development?
Stages through which a child experiences conflicts that must be resolved for healthy personality development
Failure to navigate these stages successfully can affect adult personality.
What happens if a child is unable to resolve a stage during psychosexual development?
They become fixated, which can affect their adult personality
This fixation can lead to specific behaviors or personality traits in adulthood.
What is the erogenous zone associated with the Oral Stage of development?
Mouth
The focus during this stage includes activities like sucking, biting, and chewing.
What is the key task during the Oral Stage?
Weaning off breastfeeding
This process involves transitioning from breastfeeding to other forms of nourishment.
What are potential fixations that can occur during the Oral Stage?
- Smoking
- Nail biting
- Overeating
These habits can develop if fixation occurs during the Oral Stage.
What is the erogenous zone for the Anal Stage?
Anus
This stage focuses on toilet training.
What is the key task during the Anal Stage?
Toilet Training
This involves learning control over bowel movements.
What are potential fixations that can occur during the Anal Stage?
- Undergraffiti
- Overgraffiti
- Becoming overly tidy
- Becoming messy/disorganized
These behaviors can arise from fixation during the Anal Stage.
What is the erogenous zone associated with the Phallic Stage?
Genitals
This stage is characterized by the child’s unconscious sexual desires.
What is the key task during the Phallic Stage?
Developing sexual identity
This includes the Oedipus complex for boys and the Electra complex for girls.
What are potential fixations that can occur during the Phallic Stage?
Issues with self-esteem or relationships
Fixation at this stage can lead to difficulties in these areas.
What is the erogenous zone for the Latency Stage?
None specified (focus on social skills)
This stage is about developing social skills and friendships.
What is the key task during the Latency Stage?
Developing social skills and friendships
This stage emphasizes learning to interact with peers.
What is the erogenous zone associated with the Genital Stage?
Genitals
This stage involves forming intimate relationships.
What is the key task during the Genital Stage?
Forming intimate relationships
Successful resolution of earlier stages leads to a well-balanced individual.
