Psychodynamic explanation- PHOBIAS

Question 1

Psychodynamic explanation for mental illness suggests phobias are caused by…

Answer 1

unresolved, unconscious conflicts of mind, formed in childhood.
Based on Freud’s idea of ego defence mechanisms. If person experiences anxiety this is a threat to the ego.
One way to resolve this anxiety is displacement onto initially neutral object/situation- object then represents real feared object.

Question 2

Evidence to support this explanation (Freud)

Answer 2

Hans’ phobia can be explained through subconscious fear of his father- was experiencing oedipus complex- developed strong unconscious sexual attraction for mother and saw father as hated rival- feared father would castrate him if knew how Hans felt. Worries caused deep anxieties- use ego defence mechanisms to cope with anxieties- Hans displaced onto horses- represented father- physical similarities (glasses=blinkers, moustache= dark patches round horses mouth)

Question 3

Issues & debates

Answer 3

Unscientific- subjective interpretations (not objective).
Deterministic- argues childhood trauma leads to abnormal behaviour in adulthood- suggests unconscious motives affect your behaviour.

Question 4

Application

Answer 4

Psychoanalysis (counselling) talking therapy- can be costly & time consuming.