Perspectives in Psychology The Psychodynamic Approach

Recap on Last week Looked at: Freud and his life Introduction to the personality Talking therapy

Outcomes Define psychodynamic approach Explain the personality and how it controls human behaviour Relate approach to examples Begin to analyse the approach in terms of reliability and validity

NURD Nature or nurture Usefulness Reductionist Determinist

Ideas from the Psychodynamic approach Association Respond to a word with the first thing that comes into your mind Freud believed that by exploring the links that our mind makes without us consciously aware of them, we can obtain glimpses of the contents of the unconscious

Starter slip

Psychodynamic Psychology How well do we know ourselves? –The unconscious mind How do our parents shape us? –Developmental influences What do our dreams mean? –Symbolism in behaviour & experience

Freud Born Austria- 1856, died in London 1939 pathological medicine and neurology Hysteria- that physical symptoms could be induced just by the mind Hypnotising patients and talking to them neutralised these ideas free association and talking therapy

Talking therapy Instead of the doctor talking and patient listening Now it’s the patient talking and the doctor listening This theory orginates from the study of Anna -O 77UVohttp:// 77UVo

Basis of research Noticed a high rate of sexual abuse in his patients Concluded most psychological problems arose out of childhood sexual abuse and trauma- the seduction theory But because the stories came up so much- = Freud decided they were not true! phantasies of the mind- representing wishes of the mind- led to his major theories

What is good about this theory He was modern for his times Acknowledged the role of childhood events having an impact on the mind Ideas of unconscious motives

Psychodynamics The ‘dynamics’ or forces that drive us He challenged the bio psychological approach- mental illness was actually psychological not biological

Assumption 1 Human behaviour is influenced by three parts of the mind VvhqIhttp:// VvhqI

Core of the personality Dwells in the unconscious part So our personality consists of these three areas which creates complex human behaviours Ego strength- ability to effectively manage the anxiety created between these forces! Develops through interaction of our innate drives-(may be born with strong Id, ego or superego) and life experience

The Psyche (Personality) Id: Instincts Superego: Morality Ego: Reality

Healthy Psyche IdSuperego Ego OK Guys – I’m in charge. Anything you want has to go through me. OK.

Anti social behaviour – overpowering ID develops a lack of regard for others I want to play music all night really loud AND ‘egg’ peoples’ houses because its FUN! Yeah why not! Hello!!! Anyone there?? Don’t you care about how others feel?

Neurotic Id Superego Ego Listen up! I’m in charge, and you are not here to enjoy yourselves. Get ready for a double-size portion of anxiety with a side order of guilt! No fun. >whimper<

Psychotic Id SuperegoEgo Sex! Food! Drink! Drugs! NOW! Who turned out the lights?

Psychopathic OK. First, gimme food. Then I want sex – lots of it and I don’t particularly care whether it’s with a willing partner. Then I want to hurt people. Badly. Probably be hungry again after that so… OK then. Let’s go.

Activity and worksheet Have a go at the following activity On the back of the sheet- explain using the three parts, what stopped you carrying out your behaviour from the starter slip exercise

Assumption 2 Behaviour is influenced by different levels of consciousness and ego defences

The Unconscious The conscious. The small amount of mental activity we know about. The preconscious. Things we could be aware of if we wanted or tried. The unconscious. Things we are unaware of and can not become aware of. Thoughts Perceptions Memories Stored knowledge Fears Unacceptable sexual desires Violent motives Irrational wishes Immoral urges Selfish needs Shameful experiences Traumatic experiences Bad Worse Really Bad

The unconscious mind Relates to pleasure seeking and removing anxiety Cannot be accessed directly- but through our behaviour and dreams Relates to our ego defence mechanisms Conflicts lead to anxiety Ego protects itself through defences If over used can be the cause of disturbed behaviour!

Anxiety = conflict Angel and devil are stressing me! What can I do to remove this feeling? Displacement Rationalisation Reaction formation Regression Repression Denial So your behaviour, which others see will be directed by your defences!!!

Displacement

Repression

Mini group Activity Come up with your own examples to match the defences

Check learning Refer back to outcomes of lesson