Overview
This lecture covers Sigmund Freud's psychodynamic approach in psychology, focusing on the role of the unconscious, the tripartite structure of personality, defense mechanisms, and the psychosexual stages of development.
Freud's Background and Psychodynamic Theory
- Sigmund Freud (1856–1939) was an Austrian neurologist who developed the psychodynamic approach.
- Freud's ideas were influenced by biological research and the concept of energy conservation (psychodynamics).
- Freud proposed that unconscious drives, especially libido, influence conscious thought and behavior.
- Early case studies, like "Anna O," led Freud to theorize about repressed childhood trauma influencing adult behavior.
The Structure of the Mind
- Freud compared the mind to an iceberg: conscious (above water), pre-conscious (just below), and unconscious (deep below).
- The unconscious is the largest and most influential part, containing instincts, drives, and repressed memories.
- Freudian slips and dreams provide glimpses into the unconscious mind.
The Tripartite Structure of Personality
- Personality comprises the id (pleasure principle), ego (reality principle), and superego (morality principle).
- The id is present from birth, unconscious, and seeks immediate gratification.
- The superego develops around ages 4–5, internalizing societal morals and ideals.
- The ego mediates between the id and superego to maintain balance and socially acceptable behavior.
- Imbalances can lead to anxiety, impulsiveness, or judgmental behavior.
Psychosexual Stages of Development
- Freud described five stages: oral, anal, phallic, latency, and genital.
- Each stage focuses libido on different body areas; unresolved conflict may cause fixation.
- Oral (0–1 yr): mouth; fixation may cause overeating or smoking.
- Anal (2–3 yrs): bowels/bladder; fixation can lead to messiness (expulsive) or orderliness (retentive).
- Phallic (3–5 yrs): genitals; Oedipus/Electra complex and gender identity form.
- Latency (6–12 yrs): libido dormant; little conflict.
- Genital (13+ yrs): mature sexuality emerges; ego and superego keep balance.
Defense Mechanisms
- Defense mechanisms are unconscious strategies the ego uses to manage conflict and anxiety.
- Repression: pushing distressing thoughts into the unconscious.
- Denial: refusing to accept reality or facts.
- Displacement: redirecting emotions from the original source to a safer target.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Unconscious — Part of the mind containing repressed memories, instincts, and drives not accessible to conscious awareness.
- Id — The unconscious part of personality driven by the pleasure principle.
- Ego — The rational part of personality, operating on the reality principle and mediating between id and superego.
- Superego — The moral component of personality, internalizing societal standards.
- Defense mechanisms — Unconscious strategies to reduce anxiety by distorting reality.
- Psychosexual stages — Stages of childhood development where libido focuses on different areas.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the psychosexual stages, their conflicts, and adult outcomes of fixation.
- Practice identifying defense mechanisms in given scenarios.
- Watch the next video for a critical evaluation of Freud’s theory.