Explanations of abnormality Psychodynamic approach Learning Objectives To

Explanations of abnormality Psychodynamic approach

Learning Objectives • To outline the main features of the psychodynamic approach to abnormality • To evaluate this theory • To answer a past exam question on this approach

The Psychodynamic Approach • Main assumptions: - All human behaviour can be explained in terms of inner conflict of the mind - Most of this conflict is at an unconscious level – we are unaware of it - Unresolved childhood problems are a main cause of abnormality

Personality is split into 3 parts: Id: Ego: Superego: Instincts Reality Morality

There is one cake left on the table. . . • ID – want the cake, needs to take the cake, isn't concerned about others. • SUPEREGO – I mustn’t have the cake, I should leave it for someone else, I will let someone else have it, don’t be greedy. • EGO – I will wait for a few minutes, see if anyone else has it, I am rather hungry, if it is still there in 5 minutes then I’ll take it.

Assumptions of the causes of abnormality… • Throughout life, id, ego & superego are in conflict because each represents different motivations (pleasure, reality & ideal behaviour) • Ego is the mediator between the two • If ego fails to balance out the demands of the id and superego – conflicts may arise and psychological disorders may occur • Important to remember that we are not aware/conscious of the underlying conflicts

Healthy Personality OK Guys – I’m in charge. Anything you want has to go through me. OK. Ego Id Superego

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

Psychotic Personality Sex! Food! Drink! Drugs! NOW! Who turned out the lights? Id Ego Superego

Ego defence mechanisms • In order to balance the demands of the id and superego the ego employs ‘defence mechanisms’ mechanisms to protect itself • To reduce anxiety we use defence mechanisms such as; - Denial - Repression • These are useful for protecting ego but don’t offer long-term solutions • PICK TWO DEFNECE MECHANISMS FROM THE SHEET TO OUTLINE

Psychosexual Development 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Oral Anal Phallic Latency Genital • ‘Old Age Pensioners Love Guinness’

Evaluation • Differentiate between strengths and weaknesses • Answer the exam question on page 14