Psychodynamic Approach to Personality

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Questions and Answers

What is a significant critique of Freud's theory regarding its focus?

It offers comprehensive insights into child development.

It prioritizes interpersonal relations over individual instincts.

It emphasizes women's experiences in a balanced manner.

It is primarily male-oriented and overlooks women's struggles. (correct)

Which aspect has been refined by clinical practitioners in response to Freudian theory?

More attention to early attachments. (correct)

Increased focus on aggressive drives.

Less focus on interpersonal dynamics.

Greater emphasis on sexual instincts.

What does Freud suggest about the nature of therapy duration in psychoanalysis?

It is a quick process lasting only weeks.

It typically lasts less than one year.

It generally requires 3 to 4 years. (correct)

It can be concluded in a few sessions.

Which of the following statements aligns with Freud's view on childhood experiences?

They shape adult relationships significantly. Signup and view all the answers

What does Freud identify as major forces in psychological life?

Sexual and aggressive instincts. Signup and view all the answers

What is one significant influence of psychoanalysis on modern psychology?

Emphasis on the unconscious mind. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a Neo-Freudian theorist?

Sigmund Freud Signup and view all the answers

How does contemporary psychoanalysis view personality development?

It emphasizes mature, independent relationship styles. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two groups into which Jung categorizes psychological functions?

Rational and irrational functions Signup and view all the answers

Which psychological function evaluates experiences in terms of like or dislike?

Feeling Signup and view all the answers

What theory did Carl Jung develop that diverged from Freud’s ideas?

Analytical Psychology Signup and view all the answers

How do extraverted thinkers interact with societal norms?

They live strictly in accordance with society’s rules Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following concepts is most closely associated with Erik Erikson's contributions to psychology?

Life stages and psychosocial development. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic describes introverted feeling types according to Jung?

They tend to repress rationality Signup and view all the answers

What aspect did the Neo-Freudians expand upon from Freud’s original ideas?

The importance of social relationships in development. Signup and view all the answers

Which function is associated with producing experiences through senses?

Sensing Signup and view all the answers

What did Jung experience that influenced his theoretical developments?

A severe neurotic episode. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common trait of the introverted intuiting type?

They have limited contact with reality Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best summarizes the impact of childhood according to contemporary psychoanalysis?

It plays a significant role along with adult experiences. Signup and view all the answers

Which psychological function is considered nonrational?

Sensing Signup and view all the answers

Extraverted intuiting individuals are likely to excel in which area?

Business opportunities Signup and view all the answers

What type of content did Jung include in The Red Book?

Vivid dreams and personal drawings Signup and view all the answers

How did Jung's view of libido differ from Freud's?

He saw it as a broader life energy beyond just sexual impulses. Signup and view all the answers

What significant concept did Jung introduce regarding the unconscious?

The collective unconscious Signup and view all the answers

In Jung's perspective, how does past experience influence an individual's personality?

Future aspirations shape personality in conjunction with past experiences. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significant characteristic of the collective unconscious according to Jung?

It is the deepest level of the psyche storing universal experiences. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of The Red Book being kept secret for nearly 50 years?

It was seen as too controversial for publication. Signup and view all the answers

How did Jung view the role of traumatic experiences in shaping personality?

They can be overcome and are not the sole influence. Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of Jung's extensive documentation of his dreams and visions?

He created a unique artistic expression in The Red Book. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the ego according to Jung?

To select stimuli for conscious awareness Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects the concept of the shadow in Jung's analytical psychology?

It contains suppressed desires and impulses that are deemed immoral. Signup and view all the answers

How does Jung suggest the balance between expression and suppression of instincts should be maintained?

By expressing instincts in a controlled manner for creativity Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic defines the attitudes of extraversion and introversion in Jung's framework?

One attitude is dominant and guides behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What potential consequence does Jung suggest could arise from completely suppressing the shadow?

Lifelessness and lack of creativity in the psyche Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the psyche as proposed by Jung?

A dynamic system composed of interacting distinct aspects Signup and view all the answers

In the context of personality, how does Jung view the manifestations of extraversion and introversion?

As intrinsic attitudes that affect perception and reaction Signup and view all the answers

Why must society's moral standards be considered in handling the shadow?

To prevent societal punishment for unexpressed impulses Signup and view all the answers

What is the fourth way of protecting oneself against basic anxiety, according to the concept of withdrawing?

Withdrawing from reliance on others Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotic need focuses on the desire for recognition by society?

Need for social recognition or prestige Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes healthy individuals from neurotics in terms of dealing with intrapsychic conflicts?

Healthy individuals integrate all three neurotic trends Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotic need pertains to the drive to be self-sufficient?

Need for self-sufficiency and independence Signup and view all the answers

What psychological conflict is related to the neurotic tendency to build a godlike self-image?

Self-hatred Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotic need could lead someone to deliberately constrain their lifestyle?

Need to restrict one’s life within narrow borders Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the psyche did Freud primarily focus on regarding personality development?

The struggle between id and superego Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotic need is associated with avoiding feelings of weakness through control?

Need for power Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Psychodynamic Approach: Forces Beneath Personality

Freud's theory posits personality develops in childhood, largely from parent-child interactions within the first five years.
During each stage, psychic energy focuses on a specific area of the body (erogenous zone).
Successful progression through a stage depends on satisfying the erogenous zone.
Fixation occurs if the erogenous zone isn't properly addressed, leading to a personality rooted in that stage's activities.

Topographical Model

Levels of Mind:
- Conscious Mind: Current awareness
- Preconscious Mind: Easily accessible memories & thoughts
- Unconscious Mind: Thoughts, feelings, & desires inaccessible to consciousness

Structural Model

Components of Personality:
- Id: Instincts; pleasure principle
- Ego: Reality; Reality principle
- Superego: Morality; Ideal principle

Stages of Psychosexual Development

Oral Stage (Birth-18 months): Erogenous zone is the mouth. Gratification through sucking and swallowing. Fixation can lead to overeating, smoking, or nail-biting.
Anal Stage (1.5-3 years): Erogenous zone is the anus. Control and discipline from parents. Fixation can result in anal retentiveness (neatness/order) or anal expulsiveness (messiness).
Phallic Stage (3-6 years): Erogenous zone are the genitals. Oedipus complex (boys attracted to mothers; fear of castration by fathers) ; Electra complex (girls attracted to fathers); Identification with same-sex parent. Fixation can lead to issues with authority or relationships.
Latency Period (6-puberty): Focus shifts; sexual urges repressed. Socialsation and peer relationships are emphasized.
Genital Stage (Puberty-Adulthood): Sexual urges re-emerge. Search for mature romantic relationships.

How to Access the Unconscious: Therapy

Therapy resolves problems by bringing unconscious conflicts to the surface.
Dreams are disguised expressions of unconscious wishes.
Latent content is the real meaning of dreams.
Free association (talking freely) and slips (unintentional mistakes) are avenues to uncover unconscious thoughts.

Freud: A Critique

The theory is seen as male-centered.
Research psychology largely neglects Freud's theory.
Refinements focused more on interpersonal aspects of life, downplaying instincts.
Theory relies heavily on subjective interpretation of specific cases.

Neo-Freudians

Jung's Analytical Psychology: Emphasizes collective unconscious - universal experiences shared by humans, archetypes (recurring themes & patterns representing universal experiences.
- Persona, Anima, Animus, Shadow Archetypes
Adler's Individual Psychology: Focuses on social forces, and the uniqueness of individuals.
- Inferiority feelings drive behavior; striving for superiority, social interest.
Horney's Psychoanalytic Social Theory: Emphasizes social and cultural influences.
- Basic anxiety driven by society; coping mechanisms (towards, against, away from people)

Advantages & Limits of the Neo-Analytics

Advantages: Focus on positive aspects of humanity, broader context of society & culture.
Limitations: Difficulty in empirical testing, vague concepts

Birth Order

First-borns: Often happy, controlling & organized
Second-borns: Often competitive & ambitious
Youngest/Last-borns: Often creative & attention-seeking
Only Children: Often mature quickly and have strong desires.

Adler's Legacy

Impact on social-learning theorists, and researchers interested in personality development & social motives.
Focus on the impact of experiences and future goals.

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Description

Explore Freud's psychodynamic theory, which emphasizes the roles of childhood experiences and internal drives in shaping personality. This quiz covers the topographical and structural models of the mind, as well as the psychosexual stages of development. Test your understanding of these fundamental concepts in psychology.