Psychoanalysis and Personality

Freud Unconscious Early childhood Id, ego and superego Psychosocial stages of development-Children encounter conflicts at every stage. If they child was “stuck” in the stage, they would carry into adulthood Problems arise from early childhood conflicts

Psychosocial Stages-Freud Oral Anal Phallic Latency Genital

Oral Birth Infants explore their world by putting objects in their mouth. Food is their main source of pleasure. If needs are not met, child may become fixated in this stage. Ex-smoking, overeating, nail biting and excessive talking.

Anal Ages 1 to 2 years Children learn to control their bodily functions Self control is vital Ex: Anal-retentive traits: perfectionism, extreme cleanliness and order. Ex: Anal-expulsive: less restrained, careless, and messy

Phallic 3 years of age Children begin to discover physical differences between the 2 sexes and focus more on their bodies. May develop Oedipus conflict at this time May lead to depression, excessive guilt and anxiety Ex: Children learn to play gender specific toys. Or boys will only play with boys, etc.

Latency Ages 5 to 6 Freud believed children would have been in conflict with parents for several years now They would retreat from all conflict and repress all aggressive urges Latent means hidden Impulses and urges would remain hidden

Genital Final stage at puberty There are no new conflicts but becomes more aware of their gender identity However, any conflicts that were not resolved would resurface

Carl Jung Analytical psychology: more focus on mysticism and religion Collective unconscious-a storehouse of instincts, urges and memories of the entire human race. Archetypes-inherited universal ideas present in every person They reflect the common experiences of all humans

Archetypes Used in myths to help people understand themes Jack and the Beanstalk has the same theme as David and Goliath Help influence and build the foundations of our personality. We fit our personality into these concepts

Karen Horney She agreed with Freud that childhood experiences played a major role in personality. If parents are indifferent, children would develop feelings of insecurity-basic anxiety They would repress any feelings of hostility because they did not want to drive their parents away. But with love it could change even with the worst childhood

Alfred Adler Believed people are motivated by the need to overcome feelings of inferiority Inferiority Complex-feelings of inadequacy and insecurity. Sibling rivalry-jealousies between brothers and sisters Creative self is self aware and strive to overcome obstacles and develop an individuals unique personality Teddy Roosevelt

Erik Erikson Social relationships are most important for personality development Erickson believed people were capable of making real and meaningful choices Great emphasis on mother- infant relationship 8 stages of Psychosocial development.