Psychology: Erikson and Contemporary Theories

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary aim of psychoanalytic therapy?

The primary aim is to make unconscious motives conscious to enable individuals to exert choice.

Why is understanding the role of the unconscious essential in psychoanalysis?

Understanding the unconscious is essential because it is fundamental to the psychoanalytic model of behavior and influences neurotic symptoms.

How does psychoanalysis propose to 'cure' neurotic symptoms?

Psychoanalysis proposes to 'cure' neurotic symptoms by uncovering their meaning, causes, and repressed materials.

What is the significance of confronting old patterns in psychoanalysis?

Confronting old patterns is significant because it addresses the clinging to repetitive behaviors that prevent healthy functioning. Signup and view all the answers

Define anxiety as understood in the psychoanalytic approach.

In psychoanalytic terms, anxiety is a feeling of dread arising from repressed feelings, memories, and desires that surface to awareness. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes intellectual insight from the therapeutic process in psychoanalysis?

Intellectual insight alone does not resolve symptoms; it must be integrated into the therapeutic process to confront and work through transference. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the term 'transference' in the context of psychoanalytic therapy.

Transference refers to the projection of feelings, desires, and expectations from one person to another in the therapeutic relationship. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to address repressed materials in psychoanalysis?

Addressing repressed materials is important because they interfere with healthy functioning and contribute to neurotic symptoms. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development in relation to Freudian theory?

Erikson's theory focuses on social and emotional development throughout the lifespan, expanding beyond Freud's emphasis on sexual drives. Signup and view all the answers

How does Carl Jung's approach differ from that of Freud in psychoanalytic theory?

Jung's approach emphasizes collective unconscious and archetypes, whereas Freud focused primarily on personal unconscious and sexual drives. Signup and view all the answers

What are some key concepts retained in contemporary psychoanalytic theories despite deviations from Freud’s drive theory?

Contemporary theories retain the emphasis on unconscious processes, transference, countertransference, ego defenses, internal conflicts, and early life experiences. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of transference in psychoanalytic approaches?

Transference is significant because it involves the projection of feelings, desires, and expectations from one person onto another, particularly from the patient onto the therapist. Signup and view all the answers

What role do ego defenses play in contemporary psychoanalytic theories?

Ego defenses serve as mechanisms to protect the individual from anxiety and conflict, influencing behavior and emotional responses. Signup and view all the answers

How does object-relations theory modify traditional Freudian concepts?

Object-relations theory shifts focus from drives to interpersonal relationships and the importance of early attachments in personality development. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways does self psychology build upon traditional psychoanalytic principles?

Self psychology emphasizes the importance of the self and its development, focusing on empathy and the therapeutic relationship as core components. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relational model of psychoanalysis and how does it differ from classical models?

The relational model emphasizes the interdependence between therapist and patient, viewing therapy as a mutual relational process rather than a one-sided analysis. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the oral stage in Freud's psychosexual development?

The primary focus is on sucking at the mother's breasts to satisfy the needs for food and pleasure. Signup and view all the answers

How do Erikson’s first psychosocial stage and Freud’s oral stage relate to each other?

Both stages emphasize the importance of meeting basic needs; Erikson's focus is on developing trust through nurturing. Signup and view all the answers

What can occur if an infant's basic needs are not met during the first year of life according to Erikson?

The infant may develop feelings of mistrust and emotional insecurity. Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of successful resolution in Erikson’s first stage of development?

The outcome is the development of a sense of trust. Signup and view all the answers

What does Freud suggest happens if an infant does not receive adequate nurturing during the oral stage?

The infant may later exhibit feelings of greediness and acquisitiveness. Signup and view all the answers

Why are the developmental tasks in the first year of life considered foundational?

They set the stage for emotional and psychological development throughout the lifespan. Signup and view all the answers

What are some optimal criteria for therapy termination listed by Wolitzky?

Psychotherapy termination criteria include reduction of transference, achieving therapy goals, and increased capacity for love and work. Signup and view all the answers

How do the challenges in Freud's and Erikson's theories highlight the importance of early childhood experiences?

They indicate that early nurturing or lack thereof significantly shapes trust, emotional health, and future relationships. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways do Freud and Erikson’s approaches to childhood development complement each other?

Freud focuses on physical needs and drives, while Erikson addresses emotional and social development. Signup and view all the answers

How does successful analysis contribute to a client's understanding of their life?

Successful analysis answers a client's 'why' questions concerning their life experiences. Signup and view all the answers

What emotions does termination evoke in clients, according to Curtis and Hirsch?

Termination brings up intense feelings of attachment, separation, and loss. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to set a termination date in advance?

Setting a termination date in advance allows for discussions about feelings and learnings from therapy. Signup and view all the answers

What role do therapists play in the termination process?

Therapists assist clients in clarifying changes they have made throughout therapy. Signup and view all the answers

What is one difference between classical analysis and contemporary relational analysis in terms of therapeutic relationships?

Classical analysis typically views the therapist as a distant figure, whereas contemporary relational analysis emphasizes a more interactive, engaged relationship. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'self-analytic capacity' in the context of therapy termination?

Self-analytic capacity refers to a client's ability to reflect on their thoughts and behaviors independently. Signup and view all the answers

How can an acceptance of futility play a role in therapy termination?

Acceptance of futility regarding certain childhood fantasies can help clients let go and move forward. Signup and view all the answers

What role does transference play in therapy?

Transference allows clients to project unresolved feelings and conflicts onto the therapist, enabling them to understand and resolve past emotional issues. Signup and view all the answers

How can negative transference manifest during therapy?

Negative transference can manifest as the client projecting anger and dissatisfaction onto the therapist, viewing them as stern or unloving. Signup and view all the answers

What emotional regression occurs in clients during therapy?

Clients may regress emotionally as childhood feelings and conflicts surface, revealing unresolved issues from their past. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways can positive transference be expressed by clients?

Positive transference may manifest as clients developing affection for the therapist, seeking approval, or desiring parental figures. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for the transference relationship to be worked through in therapy?

Working through the transference relationship is essential for facilitating change and helping clients resolve unresolved emotional issues. Signup and view all the answers

How can childhood conflicts impact the therapeutic process?

Childhood conflicts can influence a client's perceptions and interactions in therapy, particularly through transference to the therapist. Signup and view all the answers

What emotions are typically involved in the transference process?

Emotions involved in transference typically include love, hostility, anxiety, and resentment from past relationships. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'unfinished business' in the context of therapy?

Unfinished business refers to unresolved emotional issues and conflicts from the past that affect a client's present behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Psychosocial Development Theories

Erik Erikson expanded on Freudian theory, introducing his psychosocial development stages, which include key social influences across the lifespan.
Carl Jung's approach also contributes to understanding personality through archetypes and collective unconscious, differing from Freud's focus on individual experiences.

Contemporary Psychoanalytic Approaches

Contemporary theories like object-relations theory, self psychology, and relational psychoanalysis modify Freudian drive theory while emphasizing unconscious processes.
These approaches retain key Freudian concepts including transference, countertransference, ego defenses, internal conflicts, and the significance of early experiences.

Psychoanalytic Therapy Goals

The primary aim is to make unconscious motives conscious, allowing individuals to exercise conscious choices.
Understanding the unconscious is essential in addressing neurotic symptoms and behaviors, with a focus on uncovering the meanings behind symptoms and repressed materials.

Insight and Symptom Resolution

Intellectual insight alone does not resolve symptoms; it requires confronting the client’s repetitive patterns through transference work.
Working through transference is vital for clients to alter old patterns and gain healthy functioning.

The Concept of Anxiety

Anxiety manifests as dread from repressed feelings and memories surfacing to awareness, crucial in the psychoanalytic framework.

Comparison of Freud's and Erikson's Stages

Freud's oral stage relates to Erikson's trust versus mistrust, highlighting foundational needs for nurturing and trust in infancy.

Termination in Therapy

Criteria for therapy termination include reducing transference, achieving therapy goals, and enhancing clients' capacities for love, work, and self-analysis.
Termination often evokes intense feelings of attachment and loss, necessitating advance preparation and discussion about these emotions.

Therapeutic Relationship Dynamics

Classical and contemporary analyses differ in conceptualizing the therapist-client relationship, particularly concerning the role of transference.
Clients project unresolved feelings from childhood onto the therapist, re-experiencing past conflicts in therapy, which can either be positive or negative.

Transference in Therapy

Transference enables clients to revisit and process early conflicts, with the therapist acting as a stand-in for significant figures from the client’s past.
Successful therapy requires working through transference to facilitate meaningful change and resolution of emotional issues.

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Description

This quiz explores Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development and its extensions from Freudian theory. It also provides insights into Carl Jung's approach and contemporary psychoanalytic theories like object-relations and self psychology. Test your knowledge on these influential psychological concepts.