psychodynamic exam questions

Question 1

outline one limitation of the psychodynamic approach (2 MARKS)

Answer 1

• the key concepts, like the unconscious, are not directly observable. this means that there is little objective evidence that can be used to support the approach

Question 2

describe the structure of personality according to the psychodynamic approach (4 MARKS)

Answer 2

• personality is made up of the ID, ego and superego
• the ID focuses on the self, irrational and emotional, deals with feelings and needs, seeks pleasure (pleasure principle). it is formed form birth to 18 months and is in the unconscious part of the mind
• the ego focuses on balancing the ID and superego, and is the ‘reality principle’. it is formed between 18months - 3 years and is in the conscious part of the mind
• the superego is the morality principle and acts as the conscience or moral guide. it is based on parental and societal values and its formed between 3-6 years in the conscious part of the mind

Question 3

outline what is meant by denial and displacement (4 MARKS)

Answer 3

denial = refusing to acknowledge reality
displacement = taking out your emotions on another object

Question 4

outline a psychodynamic explanation for the development of the superego (3 MARKS)

Answer 4

it occurs at the phallic stage of psychosexual development and arises through identification with the same sex parent and internalisation with their morals via the opedius/electra complex.