Psychoanalytic Theory - Freud (2) PDF

Theories of Personality 07/08/2024 Page 129-136 Slides prepared by K. Ramosala Overview Explore Freud’s Psychoanalytic theory of personality Structure of personality Psychosexual stages of personality Critical evaluation of theory The Psychoanalytic Approac...

Theories of Personality 07/08/2024 Page 129-136 Slides prepared by K. Ramosala Overview Explore Freud’s Psychoanalytic theory of personality Structure of personality Psychosexual stages of personality Critical evaluation of theory The Psychoanalytic Approach Theorist: Sigmund Freud Assumes that the structures of personality are largely unconscious People are not aware of why they behave the way that they do Behaviour is strongly influenced by the ongoing conflict between instincts, unconscious motives, past experiences and social norms  1. Instincts Serve the need for Life survival and development Instincts Ensure the reproduction Instincts provide the basis for (Eros) of the species personality - mental Sex & Libido representations of the internal stimuli that cause a person to take a certain action. They represent one’s innermost needs and wishes E.g. hunger, thirst, sleep/rest The destructive force of Death human nature Instincts All people have an unconscious wish to die (Thanatos) Aggression 2. Three Levels of Awareness Sensations and feelings that we are Conscious aware of at any given moment Thoughts, memories and the perceptions Preconscious that are just below our awareness that can easily be retrieved Memories, emotions, Unconscious and instincts that remain ‘buried’ 3. Structure of Personality Instincts, needs and desires Id Relieves tension according to the pleasure principle Reasoning and decision-making Ego Relieves tension according to the reality principle Internal moral code Superego Internalisation of right and wrong Case study You’re at Pick n Pay and as you reach to take the last trolley/basket, an old woman comes from behind you and tries to snatch it before you can. Match the following responses to the correct structure of personality. Response: A – Fighting with old people is not the right thing to do. B – I was here first so I’m definitely making sure that I snatch that trolley/basket right back from her C – Do I really need a trolley though? I’m only here for 2 items anyway so I can just hold them in my hand. 4. The psychosexual Stages of Personality Development Erogenous zone – an area of the body that is particularly sensitive to stimulation Each stage requires the resolution of certain developmental tasks, or conflicts, before progression to the next stage Stage fixation as root of some adult personality types Oral Anal Phallic Genital Stage Stage Stage Stage i. Oral Stage Age Birth to 18 months Erogenous Zone: Mouth Developmental Weaning from breast/bottle task/conflict: Fixation: Oral passive/dependent Oral aggressive/sadistic ii. Anal Stage Age 18 months to 3 years Erogenous Zone: Anus Developmental Independent potty training task/conflict: Fixation: Anal-aggressive Anal-retentive  iii. Phallic Stage Age 3-6 years Erogenous Zone: Genitals Developmental Attachment to opposite-sex task/conflict: parent is accompanied by aggression to same-sex parent Oedipus complex and castration anxiety Electra complex and penis envy Fixation: Boastful, vain, ambitious Flirtatious, seductive iv. Genital Stage Age Puberty Erogenous Zone: Genitals Developmental Establishing intimate task/conflict: relationships Responsibility Delayed gratification Recap Levels of Personality Structure of (conscious, Personality (Id, preconscious, Ego, Superego) unconscious) Instincts (eros & Psychosexual Thanatos) stages Personality