Assumptions of the Psychodynamic Approach

Learn about 5 key assumptions of the psychodynamic approach

Have a go at applying psychodynamic theories to real world situations

This topic

The psychodynamic approach is one of the earliest approaches in psychology, originating in the 19th century.

The main figure in psychodynamic theory is Sigmund Freud

A bit of history...

We have an unconscious mind which influences our behaviour

We are unaware of our unconscious

Read the information on page 31. What are the characteristics of the unconscious mind?

Assumption 1: Behaviour is influenced by the unconscious mind

Freudian slip You say something which accidentally

reveals your unconscious desire. Can often be sexual or violent

“Let’s get some eggs from the shop” becomes “Lets get some sex from the shop”

“When I see him I will thank him” becomes “When I see him I will hit him”

Can you think of an example of when this has happened to you?

Assumption 1: Behaviour is influenced by the unconscious mind

Assumption 1: Behaviour is influenced by the unconscious mind

Other ways of accessing the unconscious

Dream analysis Rorschach inkblot test Word association

Have a go at word association Rorschach inkblot test

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Assumption 2: Different levels of consciousness

The mind is like an iceberg

Conscious: what we are aware of

Preconscious: what we could be conscious of if we turned our attention

Unconscious: inaccessible

We do not have one unified personality, but 3 different parts

They pull us in different directions. “I really need to study,

but I want to go to a party with my friends”.

Read the information on page 31, and complete the task

Assumption 3: The Tripartite Model of Personality

Video: it’s a bit old and VERY cheesy, but worth a watch!

For the three scenarios, identify what the three parts of personality might want.

Assumption 3: The Tripartite Model of Personality

How the ego protects itself from unconscious thoughts and feelings

Can push a desire out of consciousness, or transfer it to something else. Repression Displacement Projection

For the scenarios, what defence mechanism is being used?

Assumption 4: Ego defence mechanisms

Events in childhood shape our adult personality

Traumatic events can be repressed and cause stress later in life

Assumption 5: Early childhood experiences and relationships

Relationships with parents set template for adult relationships

Describe some ways that adult personality may be shaped by your childhood.

Children go through 5 stages of psychosexual development

Oral, Anal, Phallic, Latency and Genital

Fixation can lead to problems in adulthood

Assumption 5: Early childhood experiences and relationships