Questions and Answers
What is a brief outline of free association?
Free association is a treatment of mental disorders based on the assumption that our current psychological state is influenced by conflict in our unconscious mind.
What are the aims of free association?
In free associations, thoughts are brought to the conscious so that conflicts can be resolved and maladaptive behavior stops.
What occurs in free association?
Patients, with the help of a therapist, express their thoughts as they occur, allowing for links to be made between the problem and its origins.
In free association, where do patients face?
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Free association is considered a brief therapy.
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What did Bergin's (1971) analysis reveal about free association?
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Study Notes
Free Association Overview
- Free association is a psychodynamic therapy method targeting mental disorders, positing that current psychological states are shaped by unconscious conflicts.
- Utilizes verbal expression to access unconscious thoughts, facilitating insight and emotional processing.
Aims of Free Association
- Aims to bring unconscious thoughts into consciousness to resolve conflicts and eliminate maladaptive behaviors.
- Notable case: Anna O, who experienced paralysis with psychological roots, was helped through free association, leading to the resolution of her symptoms.
Process of Free Association
- Patients express thoughts freely, without censorship, allowing connections to form between conscious and unconscious issues.
- The therapist aids in identifying links between expressed thoughts and underlying problems, promoting understanding and healing.
Therapeutic Setting
- Patients often recline or sit facing away from the therapist to enhance introspection and internal focus.
- Initial sessions might involve resistance or transference, where patients project feelings onto the therapist, influencing the therapeutic process.
Duration and Efficacy
- Free association is typically a long-term therapy, sometimes requiring years to uncover behavioral causes.
- Research by Bergin (1971) indicated that 80% of cases benefiting from free association, compared to 65% from alternative therapeutic methods, underscores its effectiveness.
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Description
Explore the concepts of free association in psychodynamic therapy. This quiz covers the fundamental goals and principles of the technique, focusing on how it helps address unconscious conflicts. Gain insights into the significance of this therapeutic approach and its historical context.
