The Psychodynamic Explanation

Question 1

What is the ‘reality principle’ in relation to schizophrenia?

Answer 1

It is not present in schizophrenics, only the ID is present.

Question 2

What characteristics are attributed to the schizophrenic mother?

Answer 2

• Cold * Insensitive * Overprotective (fridge).

Question 3

What impact does the mother’s behavior have on the child?

Answer 3

Child becomes asocial as lacks communication and may not be able to maintain relationships.

Question 4

What occurs in times of stress in schizophrenics?

Answer 4

Regression to the oral stage as a result of a fixation.

Question 5

What symptoms can the regression to an earlier stage explain?

Answer 5

Child-like symptoms such as catatonic excitement and delusions of grandeur.

Question 6

Evaluate the strengths of the psychodynamic explanation.

Answer 6

Waring and Ricks (1965), mothers of schizophrenics were incoherent and withdrawn.

Mednick (1984), of those with a ‘high risk’ family due to mother being schizophregenic, 17 developed schizo compared to 1 in control.

Question 7

Evaluate weaknesses of the psychodynamic explanation.

Answer 7

Wild (1975) suggests father have more dominant role than mother.

Use genetic explanation evidence (Torey, 1992).