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Demetra
02/12/2025
Psychology
Freud's Psychodynamic Theory in Aggression
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•
2 Dec 2025
•
Understanding Freud's Theory: Insights Into Aggression
Demetra
@demetra_21
1 / 4
Freud's Core Ideas About the Mind
Your mind isn't just what you're consciously thinking right now - according to Freud, there's a massive unconscious mind that's actually running the show. Think of it like an iceberg where most of the action happens below the surface.
Freud believed we're all caught between wanting immediate pleasure (the pleasure principle) and having to deal with real-world limits (the reality principle). When these clash, we develop psychological issues called neuroses.
Your personality has three parts constantly battling it out: the id (your selfish desires), the superego (your moral conscience), and the ego (the referee trying to keep peace). The id wants what it wants NOW, the superego judges everything as right or wrong, and the ego tries to find compromises that won't get you into trouble.
Key Point: Freud believed your first five years of life shape your entire personality - no pressure on parents, right?
The Psychosexual Stages and Complexes
Freud argued that children go through five psychosexual stages, and getting stuck in any one can cause lifelong issues. The oral stage affects eating habits, the anal stage (potty training time) can make someone obsessively tidy, and the phallic stage gets seriously weird.
During the phallic stage, Freud claimed boys develop the Oedipus complex - essentially falling for their mums and seeing their dads as rivals. This creates castration anxiety (fear that dad will punish them). Girls supposedly experience the Elektra complex with their fathers, plus penis envy.
The latent period is when kids focus on friendships and social skills, while sexual feelings go dormant. Finally, the genital stage is when everything supposedly comes together in healthy adult relationships.
Remember: These ideas were developed over 100 years ago and many psychologists today find them outdated and problematic, especially regarding gender.
How This Explains Aggression
So how does all this psychological drama create aggression? When your id, ego, and superego can't get along, the resulting psychic energy has to go somewhere - often into aggressive behaviour.
Kids under five don't have fully formed superegos yet, which Freud said explains why they can be so aggressive. Adults with overpowering ids might lash out when they don't get what they want, while those with super-strong superegos might become aggressive from guilt and wanting punishment.
Defence mechanisms are your ego's coping strategies. Displacement means taking anger out on someone safe (yelling at your little brother instead of your teacher), repression blocks out disturbing thoughts, and sublimation channels aggression into acceptable activities like sports.
Freud also believed we have two opposing drives: Eros (life and love) and Thanatos (death and destruction). When Thanatos energy gets redirected outward, hello aggression! Catharsis - like watching violent films - supposedly lets you release this pent-up aggression safely.
Interesting Study: Feshbach and Singer found that boys who watched violent TV for six weeks were actually less aggressive than those who watched non-violent programmes - supporting the catharsis idea.
Strengths and Major Problems
Freud's approach did revolutionise mental health treatment, moving away from barbaric methods to more humane therapy. His theory attempts to explain seemingly senseless criminal behaviour and why aggression might run in families.
However, the problems are massive. The unconscious mind can't be measured or tested scientifically. Freud's ideas came mainly from studying wealthy, troubled patients in Vienna - hardly representative of everyone. His methods involved lots of subjective interpretation that other researchers couldn't replicate.
The theory struggles with real-world evidence too. If women supposedly have weaker superegos, why do men commit the vast majority of violent crimes? Many aggressive acts are carefully planned rather than irrational outbursts from unconscious forces.
Modern psychology has largely moved beyond Freud's specific ideas, though some concepts like unconscious processes and early childhood influence remain important. When comparing to biological explanations of aggression, Freud's approach lacks the scientific rigour of brain scans and controlled experiments.
Bottom Line: While historically significant, Freud's explanation of aggression is more interesting as a cultural artifact than a scientifically supported theory.
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Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
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This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
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The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
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In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
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very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
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THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding Freud's Theory: Insights Into Aggression
Demetra
@demetra_21
Ever wondered why some people seem more aggressive than others, or why childhood experiences might shape how we behave as adults? Freud's psychodynamic theory offers a fascinating (if controversial) explanation for human aggression that traces everything back to our early... Show more
Freud's Core Ideas About the Mind
Your mind isn't just what you're consciously thinking right now - according to Freud, there's a massive unconscious mind that's actually running the show. Think of it like an iceberg where most of the action happens below the surface.
Freud believed we're all caught between wanting immediate pleasure (the pleasure principle) and having to deal with real-world limits (the reality principle). When these clash, we develop psychological issues called neuroses.
Your personality has three parts constantly battling it out: the id (your selfish desires), the superego (your moral conscience), and the ego (the referee trying to keep peace). The id wants what it wants NOW, the superego judges everything as right or wrong, and the ego tries to find compromises that won't get you into trouble.
Key Point: Freud believed your first five years of life shape your entire personality - no pressure on parents, right?
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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The Psychosexual Stages and Complexes
Freud argued that children go through five psychosexual stages, and getting stuck in any one can cause lifelong issues. The oral stage affects eating habits, the anal stage (potty training time) can make someone obsessively tidy, and the phallic stage gets seriously weird.
During the phallic stage, Freud claimed boys develop the Oedipus complex - essentially falling for their mums and seeing their dads as rivals. This creates castration anxiety (fear that dad will punish them). Girls supposedly experience the Elektra complex with their fathers, plus penis envy.
The latent period is when kids focus on friendships and social skills, while sexual feelings go dormant. Finally, the genital stage is when everything supposedly comes together in healthy adult relationships.
Remember: These ideas were developed over 100 years ago and many psychologists today find them outdated and problematic, especially regarding gender.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
How This Explains Aggression
So how does all this psychological drama create aggression? When your id, ego, and superego can't get along, the resulting psychic energy has to go somewhere - often into aggressive behaviour.
Kids under five don't have fully formed superegos yet, which Freud said explains why they can be so aggressive. Adults with overpowering ids might lash out when they don't get what they want, while those with super-strong superegos might become aggressive from guilt and wanting punishment.
Defence mechanisms are your ego's coping strategies. Displacement means taking anger out on someone safe (yelling at your little brother instead of your teacher), repression blocks out disturbing thoughts, and sublimation channels aggression into acceptable activities like sports.
Freud also believed we have two opposing drives: Eros (life and love) and Thanatos (death and destruction). When Thanatos energy gets redirected outward, hello aggression! Catharsis - like watching violent films - supposedly lets you release this pent-up aggression safely.
Interesting Study: Feshbach and Singer found that boys who watched violent TV for six weeks were actually less aggressive than those who watched non-violent programmes - supporting the catharsis idea.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Strengths and Major Problems
Freud's approach did revolutionise mental health treatment, moving away from barbaric methods to more humane therapy. His theory attempts to explain seemingly senseless criminal behaviour and why aggression might run in families.
However, the problems are massive. The unconscious mind can't be measured or tested scientifically. Freud's ideas came mainly from studying wealthy, troubled patients in Vienna - hardly representative of everyone. His methods involved lots of subjective interpretation that other researchers couldn't replicate.
The theory struggles with real-world evidence too. If women supposedly have weaker superegos, why do men commit the vast majority of violent crimes? Many aggressive acts are carefully planned rather than irrational outbursts from unconscious forces.
Modern psychology has largely moved beyond Freud's specific ideas, though some concepts like unconscious processes and early childhood influence remain important. When comparing to biological explanations of aggression, Freud's approach lacks the scientific rigour of brain scans and controlled experiments.
Bottom Line: While historically significant, Freud's explanation of aggression is more interesting as a cultural artifact than a scientifically supported theory.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user