Psychodynamic Psychology Study Guide
Key Figures & Background
Sigmund Freud (1856-1939)
Core Belief: Humans are driven by basic biological impulses that society requires us to control
Methods: Hypnotism, dream interpretation, psychoanalysis
Focus: Unconscious mind, personality structure, psychosexual development
Revolutionary Idea: Much behavior is driven by unconscious forces
Erik Erikson (1902-1994)
Born: June 15, 1902, Frankfurt, Germany
Relationship to Freud: Student/understudy who expanded Freud's work
Focus: Psychosocial development across the entire lifespan
Key Difference: Emphasized ego psychology and social conflicts vs. Freud's id psychology
Freud's Personality Structure (The Psyche)
The Three Components
Id - The Pleasure Principle
Unconscious biological drives and impulses
Wants immediate gratification
"I want it now!"
Superego - The Morality Principle
Moral conscience and ideals
Represents society's rules and values
"That's wrong/right!"
Ego - The Reality Principle
Mediates between id and superego
Deals with practical reality
"Let's find a balanced solution"
Example: Wanting a Coke
Id: "I want that coke right now!"
Superego: "Too much sugar is bad for you"
, Ego: "I'll have the coke but balance it with healthy choices later"
Levels of Consciousness
Conscious Mind
Thoughts and feelings we're currently aware of
What you're thinking about right now
Preconscious Mind
Memories and thoughts not currently in awareness but easily accessible
Information you can recall when needed
Unconscious Mind
Repressed thoughts, memories, and feelings
Hidden conflicts and desires that influence behavior
Not easily accessible to conscious awareness
Mental Health Classifications
Neurotic
Mental imbalance causing distress
Id's instincts conflict with superego's control
Results in anxiety and guilt
Psychotic
Altered perception of reality
May involve hallucinations
Difficulty distinguishing reality from fantasy
Psychopathic
Personality disorder with persistent antisocial behavior
Impaired empathy and remorse
Bold, disinhibited behavior patterns
Defense Mechanisms
Denial
Definition: Refusing to acknowledge unpleasant reality
Key Figures & Background
Sigmund Freud (1856-1939)
Core Belief: Humans are driven by basic biological impulses that society requires us to control
Methods: Hypnotism, dream interpretation, psychoanalysis
Focus: Unconscious mind, personality structure, psychosexual development
Revolutionary Idea: Much behavior is driven by unconscious forces
Erik Erikson (1902-1994)
Born: June 15, 1902, Frankfurt, Germany
Relationship to Freud: Student/understudy who expanded Freud's work
Focus: Psychosocial development across the entire lifespan
Key Difference: Emphasized ego psychology and social conflicts vs. Freud's id psychology
Freud's Personality Structure (The Psyche)
The Three Components
Id - The Pleasure Principle
Unconscious biological drives and impulses
Wants immediate gratification
"I want it now!"
Superego - The Morality Principle
Moral conscience and ideals
Represents society's rules and values
"That's wrong/right!"
Ego - The Reality Principle
Mediates between id and superego
Deals with practical reality
"Let's find a balanced solution"
Example: Wanting a Coke
Id: "I want that coke right now!"
Superego: "Too much sugar is bad for you"
, Ego: "I'll have the coke but balance it with healthy choices later"
Levels of Consciousness
Conscious Mind
Thoughts and feelings we're currently aware of
What you're thinking about right now
Preconscious Mind
Memories and thoughts not currently in awareness but easily accessible
Information you can recall when needed
Unconscious Mind
Repressed thoughts, memories, and feelings
Hidden conflicts and desires that influence behavior
Not easily accessible to conscious awareness
Mental Health Classifications
Neurotic
Mental imbalance causing distress
Id's instincts conflict with superego's control
Results in anxiety and guilt
Psychotic
Altered perception of reality
May involve hallucinations
Difficulty distinguishing reality from fantasy
Psychopathic
Personality disorder with persistent antisocial behavior
Impaired empathy and remorse
Bold, disinhibited behavior patterns
Defense Mechanisms
Denial
Definition: Refusing to acknowledge unpleasant reality
