The psychodynamic model is the oldest and most famous of the modern psychological models.
Psychodynamic theorists believe that a person’s behavior, whether normal or abnormal, is determined largely by underlying psychological forces of which he or she is not consciously aware.
These internal forces are described as dynamic—that is, they interact with one another—and their interaction gives rise to behavior, thoughts, and emotions.
Abnormal symptoms are viewed as the result of conflicts between these forces.
Psychodynamic theories rest on the deterministic assumption that no symptom or behavior is “accidental”: All behavior is determined by past experiences.
Thus Philip’s hatred for his mother, his memories of her as cruel and overbearing, the weakness of his father, and the birth of a younger brother when Philip was 10 may all be important to the understanding of his current problems.

Test your knowledge of the psychodynamic model, the oldest and most famous modern psychological model. Explore the belief that behavior is determined by unconscious psychological forces, leading to conflicts and abnormal symptoms.