The Psychodynamic Approach Flashcards
(138 cards)
1
Q
Who was Sigmund Freud?
A
An Austrian neurologist and the founding father of psychoanalysis.
2
Q
What significant award did Freud receive in 1930?
A
The Goethe Prize.
3
Q
What is the psychodynamic approach?
A
An approach that emphasizes the psychodynamics of the mind and inner mental conflict.
4
Q
What is Freud’s most important contribution to psychology?
A
His theory of the unconscious mind.
5
Q
List the basic assumptions of the psychodynamic approach.
A
- The driving force behind our behavior is the unconscious mind.
- Instincts or drives motivate our behavior, e.g., sexual and aggressive instincts.
- Early childhood experiences determine our personality and adult behavior.
- Psychoanalysis should be used to make the unconscious conscious.
6
Q
What does Freud’s iceberg analogy represent?
A
The conscious mind is the tip above water; the unconscious mind is below the surface.
7
Q
Define the unconscious mind according to Freud.
A
The part of the mind that is not accessible to the individual, holding repressed thoughts and memories.
8
Q
True or False: The unconscious mind has less influence than the conscious mind.
A
False.
9
Q
What does Freud mean by ‘repressed’ thoughts?
A
Thoughts that the conscious has pushed away because they are traumatic or unacceptable.
10
Q
What are the three components of Freud’s structure of personality?
A
- Id
- Ego
- Superego
11
Q
What is the primary driving force in a person’s mental life according to Freud?
A
The sexual instinct.
12
Q
What does the id represent?
A
The primitive urges that demand instant gratification.
13
Q
What role does the ego play?
A
It satisfies the demands of the id while balancing the superego.
14
Q
At what stage does the superego develop?
A
During the Phallic Stage.
15
Q
What is the function of the superego?
A
It acts as the moral guardian and demands obedience to learned rules.
16
Q
What can anxiety result from in Freud’s theory?
A
Unconscious conflict between the id and superego.
17
Q
What are some ways unconscious conflict can be expressed?
A
- Dreams
- Neurotic symptoms
- Defense mechanisms
18
Q
Fill in the blank: The _______ is the childlike, selfish part of personality.
A
Id
19
Q
Fill in the blank: The _______ develops during the Phallic Stage and acts as an individual’s conscience.
A
Superego
20
Q
What is the pleasure principle?
A
The principle that the id operates on, demanding instant gratification.
21
Q
What does the reality principle refer to?
A
The principle that the ego operates on, balancing the demands of the id and superego.
22
Q
What represents opposing forces in personality according to Freud?
A
The id and the superego
The ego’s task is to reduce the conflict between these two forces.
23
Q
What does the id contain?
A
Primitive urges: sexual and aggressive
It demands instant gratification of its desires.
24
Q
When does the superego develop?
A
During the Phallic Stage
It acts as our moral guardian.
25
What is the function of the ego?
Acts as a balance between the id and the superego
## Footnote
A weak ego cannot maintain this balance effectively.
26
During which stage does the ego develop?
The Anal Stage
## Footnote
This is when the ego begins to form.
27
What are the three elements of personality according to Freud?
Id, Ego, Superego
## Footnote
The conflict between them shapes behavior.
28
What age range corresponds to the development of the id?
Birth to about 18 months
## Footnote
This is the time when the child exhibits selfish and hedonistic behavior.
29
What is the 'pleasure principle'?
Refers to the id's demand for instant gratification
## Footnote
The id operates on this principle.
30
What is the 'reality principle'?
The ego's ability to delay the id's drive for pleasure
## Footnote
It helps maintain balance between the id and superego.
31
What age range corresponds to the development of the superego?
3 to 6 years
## Footnote
This is when the child develops a conscience.
32
What is the 'morality principle'?
The superego's function of feeling guilt and holding back behavior
## Footnote
It contrasts with the id's desires.
33
What is a possible outcome of unconscious conflict between the id and superego?
Anxiety and extreme nervousness
## Footnote
This conflict needs to be expressed for mental health.
34
In what ways can unconscious conflict be expressed?
* Dreams
* Neurotic symptoms (e.g. phobias)
* Defence mechanisms
## Footnote
These expressions are symbolic and may disguise the conflict.
35
True or False: The superego is responsible for guilt.
True
## Footnote
It acts as an individual's conscience.
36
What are defence mechanisms?
Everyday methods used unconsciously to reduce anxiety.
37
Which part of the psyche uses defence mechanisms?
The Ego.
38
What leads to anxiety according to psychodynamic theory?
Unconscious conflict between the Id and the Superego.
39
What is repression?
A type of forgetting where a painful or disturbing memory is pushed into the unconscious mind.
40
How does repression affect behavior?
The repressed memory affects behavior without the person being consciously aware of it.
41
Define denial as a defence mechanism.
Refusal to accept the reality of an unpleasant situation.
42
What is displacement?
Expressing strong emotion onto a neutral person or object as a substitute.
43
What is an example of displacement in phobias?
In ophidiophobia, the snake represents a phallic symbol linked to sexual behavior.
44
What was Little Hans' phobia linked to?
His Oedipal Complex and fear of his father, displaced onto horses.
45
What is one strength of defence mechanisms?
They have explanatory power, helping people understand their experiences.
46
What is a limitation of defence mechanisms?
Lack of testability/falsifiability; they cannot be studied directly.
47
Why is the lack of scientific evidence a limitation for defence mechanisms?
Hypotheses cannot be tested; evidence is based on interpretation and bias.
48
Fill in the blank: Defence mechanisms are a valuable contribution to explaining _______.
[human behaviour]
49
True or False: Defence mechanisms can be directly observed and measured.
False.
50
What are defence mechanisms?
Everyday methods used unconsciously to reduce anxiety.
51
Which part of the psyche uses defence mechanisms?
The Ego.
52
What leads to anxiety according to psychodynamic theory?
Unconscious conflict between the Id and the Superego.
53
What is repression?
A type of forgetting where a painful or disturbing memory is pushed into the unconscious mind.
54
How does repression affect behavior?
The repressed memory affects behavior without the person being consciously aware of it.
55
Define denial as a defence mechanism.
Refusal to accept the reality of an unpleasant situation.
56
What is displacement?
Expressing strong emotion onto a neutral person or object as a substitute.
57
What is an example of displacement in phobias?
In ophidiophobia, the snake represents a phallic symbol linked to sexual behavior.
58
What was Little Hans' phobia linked to?
His Oedipal Complex and fear of his father, displaced onto horses.
59
What is one strength of defence mechanisms?
They have explanatory power, helping people understand their experiences.
60
What is a limitation of defence mechanisms?
Lack of testability/falsifiability; they cannot be studied directly.
61
Why is the lack of scientific evidence a limitation for defence mechanisms?
Hypotheses cannot be tested; evidence is based on interpretation and bias.
62
Fill in the blank: Defence mechanisms are a valuable contribution to explaining _______.
[human behaviour]
63
True or False: Defence mechanisms can be directly observed and measured.
False.
64
What does Freud believe is the royal road to knowledge of the unconscious?
The interpretation of dreams
## Footnote
Freud considered dreams to be the 'royal road' as they reveal unconscious material.
65
What are some examples of how unconscious feelings might manifest according to Freud?
Unconscious feelings can manifest as:
* slips of the tongue
* jokes
* accidents
## Footnote
Freud believed these manifestations reveal hidden motivations.
66
What is the primary goal of psychoanalysis?
To make unconscious conflict conscious
## Footnote
This aims to strengthen the ego and improve coping mechanisms.
67
What are the main techniques used in classical psychoanalysis?
Main techniques include:
* Dream interpretation
* Free association
* Projective techniques (e.g., Rorschach Ink Blot Test)
## Footnote
These techniques help access the unconscious.
68
What is the significance of resistance in psychoanalysis?
Resistance indicates that therapy is addressing unconscious problems
## Footnote
It can manifest as refusal to speak or claiming therapy is ineffective.
69
What does 'dream work' refer to in Freud's theory?
The process that changes unconscious desires into symbols in dreams
## Footnote
This process allows for wish fulfillment in a coded form.
70
Fill in the blank: Freud developed the treatment known as _______.
[psychoanalysis]
71
True or False: Freud believed that dreams have no meaning and should not be interpreted.
False
## Footnote
Freud believed dreams are meaningful and require interpretation.
72
What are neurotic symptoms according to Freud?
Neurotic symptoms are the ego's attempts to cope with unconscious conflict
## Footnote
This includes using defense mechanisms.
73
What is one limitation of psychoanalysis identified by Eysenck in 1950?
Psychoanalysis is only as effective as a placebo
## Footnote
This suggests limited effectiveness in treating disorders.
74
What is the role of the therapist in classical psychoanalysis?
To let the patient talk without making judgments
## Footnote
The therapist may sit behind the patient to avoid being seen.
75
What are the psychosexual stages proposed by Freud?
Oral, Anal, Phallic, Latent, Genital
## Footnote
These stages represent the focus of libido at different ages.
76
What is the focus of libido during the Oral stage?
Mouth
## Footnote
The object of desire is typically the mother's breast.
77
What can result from fixation during the Oral stage?
Oral fixation - smoking, biting nails, sarcastic, critical
## Footnote
These behaviors can manifest in adulthood.
78
What is the age range for the Anal stage?
1 Year to 3 years
## Footnote
This stage focuses on the anus.
79
What are the two personality types that can develop from the Anal stage?
* Anal expulsive - thoughtless, messy
* Anal retentive - obsessive, perfectionist
## Footnote
These types arise from how children manage pleasure related to feces.
80
What is the primary focus during the Phallic stage?
Genital area
## Footnote
This stage is associated with the Oedipus or Electra complex.
81
At what age does the Latent stage occur?
6 - 12 years
## Footnote
This stage involves repressed conflicts.
82
What is the focus of libido during the Genital stage?
Genitals
## Footnote
Sexual desires become conscious during puberty.
83
What is gratification in the context of Freud's stages?
The specific satisfaction or pleasure required at each stage
## Footnote
It is crucial for normal development.
84
What does fixation mean in Freud's theory?
Getting stuck at a particular stage during development
## Footnote
This can influence adult personality and behavior.
85
What is libido according to Freud?
Sexual mental energy that motivates behavior, feelings, and thought
## Footnote
Freud viewed the mind as needing energy similar to biological structures.
86
True or False: The Oedipus complex occurs during the Anal stage.
False
## Footnote
The Oedipus complex occurs in the Phallic stage.
87
Fill in the blank: The focus of pleasure in the Anal stage is the _______.
anus
## Footnote
This is where children gain pleasure from withholding and expelling feces.
88
What personality type is characterized by being narcissistic and reckless?
Phallic personality
## Footnote
This personality type develops during the Phallic stage.
89
What developmental conflicts are repressed during the Latent stage?
Earlier conflicts
## Footnote
This stage is marked by a lack of focus on sexual desires.
90
What happens to sexual desires during puberty according to Freud?
They become conscious
## Footnote
This coincides with the onset of the Genital stage.
91
What is the way to remember the psychosexual stages
Old-oral
Age-anal
Pensioners-phallic
Love-latent
Guinness-genital
92
What does the Oedipal Complex describe?
A boy experiences intense sexual feelings for his mother and sees his father as a rival
## Footnote
It involves feelings of castration anxiety and identification with the father.
93
What is 'castration anxiety' in the context of the Oedipal Complex?
The boy's fear that his father will castrate him due to rivalry for the mother's affections
## Footnote
This anxiety occurs unconsciously during the Oedipal phase.
94
How does a boy resolve the Oedipus conflict according to Freud?
By identifying with his father to reduce castration anxiety
## Footnote
This process involves seeing the father as an ally rather than a rival.
95
What is the Electra Complex?
The girl's realization that she does not have a penis, leading to 'penis envy' and desire for her father
## Footnote
This concept was less fully developed by Freud and later adapted by other psychologists.
96
What leads to 'penis envy' in girls according to the Electra Complex?
The belief that the mother has castrated her and the desire to have a penis
## Footnote
This is symbolically expressed through a desire for a baby and playing with dolls.
97
What happens when a girl identifies with her mother during the Electra Complex?
The mother becomes the girl's superego
## Footnote
This identification helps the girl cope with her feelings of loss regarding her father.
98
What do boys substitute their desire for their mother with?
A desire for other women
## Footnote
This substitution occurs after the Oedipus conflict is resolved.
99
What do girls substitute their desire for a penis with?
A desire for a baby, preferably a boy
## Footnote
They also substitute their desire for their father with a desire for other men.
100
What is a strength of the Psychodynamic Theory of Psychosexual Stages?
It highlights the possible long-term effects of traumatic childhood events
## Footnote
This contribution has implications for the well-being of individuals affected by such events.
101
True or False: Freud believed that the absence of a father figure could lead a boy to grow up to be homosexual.
True
## Footnote
This claim is debated and lacks empirical evidence.
102
Fill in the blank: The boy feels threatened by his father's presence and fears he will ______ him.
castrate
## Footnote
This fear is central to the Oedipal Complex.
103
What is a limitation of the theory of Psychosexual Stages of development?
It is gender biased.
## Footnote
The theory focused almost entirely on male development with little mention of female psychosexual development.
104
What is androcentrism in the context of the Psychosexual Stages theory?
It refers to the theory being centered around male development, neglecting female perspectives.
## Footnote
The theory's gender bias may not apply to females.
105
Why is the theory of Psychosexual Stages difficult to test scientifically?
Concepts like libido are impossible to measure.
## Footnote
Future predictions based on the theory are too vague and cannot be tested.
106
What is a significant limitation regarding scientific evidence for Freud's theory?
There is very little scientific evidence supporting it.
## Footnote
Without scientific evidence, the validity of the theory cannot be established.
107
What type of research did Freud's theory of Psychosexual Stages rely on?
Case studies.
## Footnote
Freud's case studies used recollections of adult patients, interpreted by him, rather than actual observation of children.
108
Why are Freud's case studies considered a limitation for the Psychosexual Stages theory?
They do not provide strong scientific evidence.
## Footnote
The studies were biased and not based on empirical research.
109
Fill in the blank: The theory of Psychosexual Stages can be argued to be an example of _______.
androcentrism.
110
Who was the subject of Freud's case study 'Little Hans'?
Herbert Graf
## Footnote
Herbert Graf was the son of Max Graf, a friend of Freud.
111
What was the main phobia that Hans developed?
Phobia of running horses
## Footnote
This phobia was documented in detail by his father.
112
What pseudonym was used for Herbert Graf in Freud's paper?
'Hans'
## Footnote
This pseudonym was used in the 1909 paper titled 'The analysis of a phobia in a five-year-old boy'.
113
In which psychosexual stage did Freud place Hans' behavior?
Phallic psychosexual stage
## Footnote
Freud believed this stage was crucial for understanding Hans' phobia.
114
What was significant about Hans' fascination with his 'widdler'?
It indicated the phallic stage of development
## Footnote
Hans noticed that animals, including horses, had larger penises.
115
What complex did Freud argue Hans was experiencing?
Oedipal complex
## Footnote
This was related to Hans' feelings towards his mother and father.
116
How did the birth of Hans' sister affect his behavior?
Hans became hostile towards his sister
## Footnote
Freud interpreted this hostility as an extension of the Oedipal complex.
117
What did Freud suggest about Hans' feelings towards his mother?
He suggested Hans had a sexual attraction to his mother
## Footnote
This created a rivalry with his father.
118
What anxiety did Hans reportedly experience?
Castration anxiety
## Footnote
This anxiety stemmed from his rivalry with his father.
119
What was the public reaction to the publication of the case study?
It was seen as immoral by some and inaccurate by others
## Footnote
Despite the controversy, it had supporters.
120
What was the outcome for Hans regarding his phobia by age 19?
He reported that the phobia had not reoccurred
## Footnote
Hans met Freud and did not realize the report was about him.
121
What defense mechanism is demonstrated in the case of Little Hans?
Displacement
## Footnote
This mechanism helps explain Hans' behavior and phobia.
122
Fill in the blank: The case of Little Hans is an example of how boys experience the ______.
Oedipal Complex
123
True or False: Freud's analysis of Little Hans was universally accepted.
False
## Footnote
The analysis faced both criticism and support.
124
What is a strength of the psychodynamic approach?
It is supported by evidence, such as the little Hans case study
## Footnote
Little Hans developed a phobia of horses, which Freud interpreted as evidence of the Oedipus complex.
125
How did Freud interpret the behavior of Little Hans?
As evidence of the Oedipus complex
## Footnote
This interpretation was linked to Little Hans being in the phallic stage of development.
126
What significant contribution did Freud's psychodynamic approach make?
It emphasized the role of early experience and the unconscious in abnormality
## Footnote
This paved the way for further research and changed how people viewed themselves.
127
Which psychologists were influenced by Freud's psychodynamic approach?
* Carl Jung
* Erik Erikson
* Anna Freud
## Footnote
Anna Freud is Sigmund Freud's daughter.
128
Which developmental psychologists were influenced by Freud's theory of stages?
* Jean Piaget
* Lawrence Kohlberg
129
What successful treatment did Freud pioneer?
Psychoanalysis
## Footnote
This treatment has had a lasting impact on psychology and psychiatry.
130
What did Bergin (1971) find regarding psychoanalysis?
80% of patients benefited from psychoanalysis compared to 65% from other types of psychotherapies.
131
What is a limitation of psychoanalysis according to Hysenck (1985)?
It was no more effective than a placebo treatment.
132
What is a limitation regarding the empirical testing of Freud's psychodynamic theory?
It relies on retrospective case history evidence, which can be confounded by memory bias.
133
What concepts in Freud's theory are not empirical?
* Id
* Ego
* Superego
134
What limitation does Freud's psychodynamic theory have concerning scientific rigor?
Many psychologists do not accept it as a valid theory due to its lack of empirical testing.
135
What is a criticism related to the evidence on which Freud based his theory?
The case studies had a small and biased sample, mainly his friends.
136
What is a key characteristic of the psychodynamic approach?
It is determinist
## Footnote
Freud believed that abnormality is rooted in childhood conflicts stored in the unconscious.
137
What is a limitation of the determinist view in the psychodynamic approach?
Individuals may feel their abnormality is predetermined and out of their control.
138
Which approach criticizes the determinist view of the psychodynamic approach?
The freewill approach, such as humanist psychology.
