Psychodynamic Theory Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of the psychodynamic perspective regarding behavior?

Behavior is solely dictated by conscious thoughts.

Behavior is primarily a product of genetic predispositions.

Behavior is completely influenced by environmental factors.

Behavior results from interplaying unconscious psychological forces. (correct)

Which aspect of Freud's levels of mind contains thoughts and feelings not currently in awareness but can be accessed if needed?

Preconscious/Subconscious mind (correct)

Unconscious mind

Superconscious mind

Conscious mind

According to Freud, which component of personality operates on the pleasure principle?

Ego

Id (correct)

Superego

Alter Ego

What therapeutic technique involves sharing thoughts freely without censorship?

Free association Signup and view all the answers

In psychodynamic theory, symptoms of abnormal behavior are primarily the result of what?

Conflicts between psychological forces Signup and view all the answers

Which component of personality acts as the 'executive' and mediates the demands of the Id and Superego?

Ego Signup and view all the answers

What does dream interpretation aim to uncover in a psychodynamic context?

Unconscious drives and unresolved conflicts Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the mind contains unacceptable feelings and urges according to Freud?

Unconscious mind Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of regression as a defense mechanism?

To retreat to an earlier stage of development Signup and view all the answers

Which defense mechanism involves attributing one’s own unacceptable desires to others?

Projection Signup and view all the answers

How does displacement function as a defense mechanism?

By redirecting feelings from a dangerous object to a safer substitute Signup and view all the answers

According to Freud, what is essential for a healthy personality?

Compromise among the id, ego, and superego Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of psychodynamic therapies?

To uncover past traumas and resolve inner conflicts Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of dream interpretation in psychodynamic therapy?

Understanding dreams as expressions of subconscious desires Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best represents reaction formation as a defense mechanism?

Being excessively friendly to someone you dislike Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is likely indicative of abnormal functioning according to Freud?

Conflicts among the id, ego, and superego Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of free association in psychodynamic therapy?

To allow the patient to lead discussions and uncover underlying issues. Signup and view all the answers

How does resistance manifest in therapy according to Freud's theory?

The patient avoids discussing particular areas or takes excessive time. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes transference in psychodynamic therapy?

It is the redirection of unconscious feelings towards the therapist. Signup and view all the answers

What are manifest and latent content in dream interpretation?

Levels of meaning derived from dreams during analysis. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of catharsis in psychodynamic therapy?

To relive and process past repressed emotions. Signup and view all the answers

According to behaviorists, what primarily determines an individual's behavior?

The consequences of their behaviors in different environments. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a key concept associated with Carl Jung's analytical psychology?

Inferiority complex. Signup and view all the answers

What is the foundational concept of Alfred Adler's individual psychology?

The role of social factors and birth order in personality development. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Psychodynamic Perspective

Psychodynamic model is the oldest and most famous modern psychological model
Behavior, whether normal or abnormal, is determined by underlying psychological forces
These internal forces are dynamic (interacting)
Abnormal symptoms result from conflicts between these forces
Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) founded psychodynamic theory and psychoanalytic therapy

Freud's Three Levels of Mind

Conscious Mind: Thoughts, memories, feelings, and wishes currently in awareness
Preconscious/Subconscious Mind: Thoughts, memories, feelings, and wishes that can be brought to consciousness
Unconscious Mind: Feelings, thoughts, urges, and memories outside conscious awareness, often unacceptable or unpleasant (e.g., pain, anxiety, sexual urges).

Structure of Personality

Id: Produces instinctual needs, drives, and impulses; operates on the pleasure principle (demanding gratification)
Ego: Employs reason and operates on the reality principle; acts as an executive to mediate demands of the id and superego
Superego: Represents values and ideals; provides standards for judgement and future aspirations
Conflicts among the id, ego, and superego can lead to personality dysfunction

Development of Personality

Psychosexual stages of development (infancy-maturity)
New events challenge individuals at each stage, demanding adjustments in id, ego, and superego
Fixation (getting stuck in a stage) can lead to future abnormal functioning

Psychosexual Stages

Oral Stage (0-18 months): Pleasure centers on the mouth (sucking, biting, chewing)
Anal Stage (18-36 months): Pleasure focuses on bowel and bladder elimination; coping with control demands
Phallic Stage (3-6 years): Pleasure zone is genitals; coping with incestuous sexual feelings (Oedipus/Electra complexes)
Latency Stage (6 to puberty): No further psychosexual development; sexual energy is dormant
Genital Stage (Puberty onwards): Maturation of sexual interests

Defense Mechanisms

Strategies developed by the ego to reduce anxiety arising from unacceptable impulses
Repression: Pushing distressing thoughts/feelings out of awareness
Regression: Reverting to an earlier developmental stage
Reaction Formation: Replacing unacceptable impulses with opposite behaviors
Projection: Attributing unacceptable impulses to others
Rationalization: Creating logical-sounding explanations for behaviors
Displacement: Redirecting unacceptable urges to a safer substitute target

Therapeutic Techniques of Psychoanalytic Therapy

Psychodynamic therapies aim to uncover past traumas and inner conflict
Free Association: Describing any thought that comes to mind
Resistance: Behaviors that block or resist discussion of sensitive topics
Transference: Redirecting of feelings from past relationships to the therapist
Dream Interpretation: Analyzing dreams to gain insight into unconscious motivation
Catharsis: Reliving past repressed feelings to resolve internal conflicts

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Description

Explore the foundational concepts of the psychodynamic perspective in psychology, including Freud's model of the mind and the structure of personality. Understand the dynamics of the conscious, preconscious, and unconscious minds, along with the interplay between internal psychological forces and behavior.