Overview
This lecture covers Freud's psychodynamic perspective on personality, including the structure of the mind, defense mechanisms, and the psychosexual stages of development.
Freud and the Psychodynamic Perspective
- Freud was a medical doctor who pioneered theories of the unconscious mind and personality development.
- He emphasized the impact of childhood experiences on adult personality.
- Freud introduced talk therapy, inspired by the case of Anna O., as a method to uncover unconscious processes.
Levels of Consciousness
- Freud likened the mind to an iceberg: about one-tenth is conscious, the rest is unconscious.
- The unconscious stores unacceptable urges and desires, kept hidden by repression.
- Freudian slips are accidental speech errors, believed to reveal unconscious desires.
- Personality develops from the conflict between biological drives and socialized controls.
Structure of Personality: Id, Ego, Superego
- The id is present at birth, driven by the pleasure principle, seeking immediate gratification.
- The superego develops through socialization, acts as a moral compass, and strives for perfection.
- The ego is rational, operates on the reality principle, and mediates between id and superego.
- Imbalances among these systems can lead to neurosis, anxiety, or unhealthy behaviors.
Defense Mechanisms
- Defense mechanisms are unconscious processes used by the ego to reduce anxiety.
- Common mechanisms: repression (blocking painful memories), reaction formation (acting opposite to feelings), regression (reverting to childish behavior), projection (attributing own feelings to others), rationalization, displacement, and sublimation.
- Overuse of defense mechanisms can be problematic.
Psychosexual Stages of Development
- Oral Stage (0–1 yr): pleasure centers on the mouth; fixation leads to issues like overeating or smoking.
- Anal Stage (1–3 yrs): focus on bowel/bladder control; fixation can cause orderliness or messiness.
- Phallic Stage (3–6 yrs): focus on genitals, Oedipus/Electra complex; fixation leads to vanity or overambition.
- Latency Period (6–12 yrs): sexual feelings dormant, focus on school and friendships.
- Genital Stage (12+): mature sexual interests; successful navigation leads to healthy adulthood.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Unconscious — mental processes outside awareness, influencing behavior.
- Id — primitive part of personality, seeks immediate pleasure.
- Ego — rational self, mediates between id and superego.
- Superego — moral conscience, guides right and wrong.
- Defense Mechanism — unconscious process to reduce anxiety by distorting reality.
- Psychosexual Stage — developmental phase with specific pleasure focus (oral, anal, phallic, latency, genital).
- Oedipus Complex — a child's unconscious desire for the opposite-sex parent.
- Fixation — persistent focus on an earlier psychosexual stage due to unresolved conflict.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review Freud's stages of psychosexual development and related conflicts.
- Memorize definitions and examples of major defense mechanisms.
- Reflect on how id, ego, and superego interact in shaping behavior.