Psychodynamic Approach

MAIN ASSUMPTIONS

The Unconscious

• The psychodynamic approach believes that the driving force behind our behaviours is the unconscious mind

Instincts/Drives

• They are the motivational forces that underline most of our behaviours

Thanatos

• We hold an unconscious desire to die. We have a self-destructive behaviour which when directed towards others it takes the form of aggression

Eros

• The energy created by life instincts is known as libido
• Survival, Pleasure, Reproduction

Early Childhood Experiences

• The psychodynamic approach argues that early childhood experiences are pivotal to our personality.
• Events in our childhood shape our adult personality
• Traumatic events can be repressed and cause stress later in life
• Relationship with parents set template for adult relationships
• Freud

THE ROLE OF THE UNCONSCIOUS

The Conscious

The small amount of mental activity we know about

The Preconscious

Things we could be aware if we wanted or tried

The Unconscious

Things we are unaware of and can not become aware of

Our early experiences shape our personality.

Tripartite Personality

Freud described the personality as being tripartie. Id, Ego and Superego. The developmnet of these three parts influence who we become as individuals.

Id

Consists of eros and thanatos instincts. It is impulsive. Demands immediate gratification - satisfies our needs. Pleasure principle. Selfish. Thoughout life. Birth

Ego

Reality check that balances the conflicting demands of the id and the superego. Reality principle. Age 2-3

THE STRUCTURE OF THE UNCONSCIOUS MIND: ID, EGO AND SUPEREGO

Our early experiences shape our personality.

Tripartite Personality

Freud described the personality as being tripartie. Id, Ego and Superego. The developmnet of these three parts influence who we become as individuals.

Id

Consists of eros and thanatos instincts. It is impulsive. Demands immediate gratification - satisfies our needs. Pleasure principle. Selfish. Thoughout life. Birth

Ego

Reality check that balances the conflicting demands of the id and the superego. Reality principle. Age 2-3

Superego

The moralistic part of our personality. Consists of two systems: ideal self - how we ought to be and conscience which can punish the ego though causing feelings of guilt. Moral principle. Age 3-5

DEFENCE MECHANISMS

Reaction formation

Acting in exactly the opposite way to one's unacceptable impulses.

e.g. A mother being overproctective of an unwanted child

Rationalisation

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